An outbreak of scabies among some inmates at LaPorte County Jail prompted the sheriff to close the jail to visitors until Dec. 13.
A news release from Sheriff Mike Mollenhauer indicated the exact extent of the outbreak is unknown, but inmates in several cellblocks have been diagnosed.
To contain the outbreak, all prisoners will remain in their cells. Mollenhauer said the jail’s medical unit is working with Advanced Correctional Healthcare in ending the outbreak.
According to Center for Disease Control, human scabies are caused by the human itch mite. Scabies mites burrow unto the skin’s upper layer, where it lays eggs. Scabies result in intense itching and a pimple-like purple rash.
