Haiti monitoring emergence of a 'very infectious' skin disease
Published:Saturday | January 30, 2021 | 9:48 PMCMC
Health officials have been monitoring the emergence of a very infectious skin disease, similar to scabies, in Haiti.
The country's Ministry of Health says the disease has been affecting residents of several communities in the west of the country for several days.
Earlier this week, the ministry deployed mobile clinics to areas, such as La Gonave, Petit-Goâve and Arcahaie.
The government has sought to assure citizens that all is being done to eradicate the disease.
“An awareness and information campaign for the general public and the affected areas is already underway. It covers personal hygiene, the use of drinking water, laundry and the treatment of infected clothes. Note that unsanitary conditions are fertile ground for skin disease such as scabies,” said a government statement.
Scabies has been described as an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact.
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