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Scabies Outbreak at Oakdale Prison

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 4, 2008 at 2:39 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2008 at 2:39 PM CST

OAKDALE (AP) - Prison officials say dozens of inmates at the state prison at Oakdale have been treated for scabies - and the outbreak caused an entire unit to be quarantined.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by microscopic mites. It looks like a rash and causes intense itching.

Scabies was first discovered three weeks ago in five patients in the long-term ambulatory unit for elderly and disabled inmates at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center.

Prison spokeswoman Jan Drury says soon a dozen inmates were thought to have scabies and the unit was locked down for the day. She says eight inmates who were working in the unit but living in another building, and their roommates, also were treated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several creams or lotions are available by prescription to treat scabies.

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