Scabies outbreak forces Utah State Prison housing unit into lockdown

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Approximately 140 inmates at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City are under quarantine after one inmate tested positive for scabies.

Karen Tapahe, a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Corrections, confirmed with ABC4.com that the Currant housing unit, which houses geriatric and medically dependent men, has been temporarily closed to visitors and volunteer services.

While only one inmate has tested positive for scabies and is currently being isolated, every inmate in the two sections of the affected unit will be treated for scabies.

Health officials said they will still take necessary precautions, including washing the bedding and clothing of the infected inmate with a disinfectant solution as well as other areas of the prison to help prevent the spread. Inmates and staff will also be given an education on hygienic steps to prevent scabies.

According to the CDC, scabies is a highly contagious infestation of the skin caused by a mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays eggs. Symptoms typically include intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. It can easily spread through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual.

The Health Department said the current scabies case does not seem to be connected with an ongoing skin rash issue at the State Correctional Facility. The rash, which officials say seems to be connected to laundry detergent, does make it more difficult for health officials to identify a possible scabies case without additional testing.

The restrictions on inmates, visitors, and volunteers are expected to be lifted by Monday, March 17.