By Matt Ledesma
Times Record News
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Though a handful of the jail population’s 433 inmates as of Thursday displayed some signs of having scabies, the actual number of confirmed cases turned out to be even fewer.
“The inmates that exhibited signs/symptoms consistent with scabies have been seen by a physician,” stated a release from the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office. “It was determined that an outbreak has not occurred. One case was confirmed and can be handled by isolation of the affected prisoners during treatment.”
Scabies is an infection caused by a tiny mite that burrows under human skin and causes itching sensations. It is often contracted by people who live in overcrowded conditions or have poor hygiene. Thursday afternoon, a previous release fromt hes heriff’sofficei ndicated the jail administrators initial concerns.
“A very small number of inmates were diagnosed with scabies. A subsequent check of every inmate in the facility indicated that there may be other cases at both jail locations,” the release said. “As a result, all inmate movement has been canceled, until treatment can be made, in order to prevent further spreading of the illness.”
Visitations Thursday at both facilities were canceled, as were today’s scheduled visitations. Those restrictions were lifted Thursday evening after further medical examinations.
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