SALT LAKE CITY — Some inmates were under quarantine and visitors were not allowed in all areas of the Utah State Correctional Facility during a scabies outbreak.
At least 57 individuals were confirmed to have the parasitic infection.
As of Monday morning, officials said the outbreak was contained after medication was given and the unit was disinfected.
The cases were contained to the "Green Unit," officials said, which is dorm-style housing where inmates receive sex offense or substance abuse treatment.
As nurses provided treatment to those impacted, visitation to the unit was temporarily closed.
Clothing and bedding belonging to the infected individuals was washed and nurses provided treatment, including the use of a prescription cream.
Officials report other areas of the state prison were also cleaned and everyone involved with the prison, including inmates and staff, was educated on proper hygiene.
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a human itch mite. The mite burrows into the skin, where it lives and lays eggs. The disease is usually spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact with a person who is infected.
