AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – An outbreak of scabies has been identified at the Airway Heights Corrections Center, affecting 19 incarcerated individuals throughout the facility.
According to Christopher Wright, Communications Director with Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), the outbreak was identified during the week of January 19.
Medical staff conducted symptom checks in the affected units to identify potential cases and educate the population about scabies. All diagnosed patients received treatment, Wright said.
The DOC said a memo and a scabies one-pager from the CDC was sent to all incarcerated individuals at Airway Heights. The information detailed the outbreak, risk of exposure, symptoms of scabies and offered treatment to all individuals in the affected units.
The DOC also said it provided replacement linens and clothes for all individuals in the affected units on the same day treatment was offered. Mattresses and hard surfaces were cleaned on the same day.
The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation.
Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mites. The mite responsible for scabies burrows into the skin, leading to intense itching and a pimple-like rash. It spreads primarily through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
