9 September 2012

Mangy prisoners to be treated for scabies

| johnboy
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The ACT Government is outlining what they’re doing to bring to heel the skin burrowing parasites taking over the prison:

Further cases of scabies were identified at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) on Friday. The ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, has taken action to minimise the chance of this condition being spread among inmates.

“Scabies is a fairly common infection in the community but it is highly infectious. This means it can spread rapidly through institutions, like the Alexander Maconochie Centre, where a large number of people live in relatively close contact,” said Dr Kelly.

“With the information that further cases have occurred, my view is that that a more comprehensive approach to treatment of scabies at the AMC is required.

“That approach will include enhanced information to visitors, staff and detainees and the provision of treatment to all detainees and to staff with direct contact with detainees. All bed linen will need to be cleaned on the same day. Planning for this has commenced and will take place within the next few days. In the meantime, treatment for detainees with symptoms will continue as usual.

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