CEDAR RAPIDS – Linn County Public Health is issuing a health alert regarding multiple cases of scabies that have emerged in the Cedar Rapids area this week. While scabies cases are relatively common and routinely discovered in the community, recent instances of the skin condition are more prevalent. Scabies can be easily treated with a topical treatment and is not considered a serious health threat.

Scabies is a microscopic mite that causes inflammation and skin irritation. It is spread mainly through direct skin to skin contact. Scabies cannot float or fly in the air.

The symptoms of scabies are an allergic reaction to the mites. There is usually an itching skin irritation and tiny reddened dots with surrounding redness. Itching is usually worse at night. Persons who have never had scabies before usually notice symptoms about 4 to 6 weeks after their getting scabies. Persons who have had a previous case of scabies develop symptoms sooner, often within a few days to one week.

If you have symptoms, you should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Persons living in the same house and having skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies should be treated at the same time to prevent further spread. Bedding, clothing, towels and other linens that are used within 3 days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried using the hot dryer cycle. Items that cannot be washed should be placed in a closed plastic bag for one week.