 |
EDITOR’S NOTE: Today through the end of the year we will look back and highlight what we consider to be some of the top news stories of 2016 in Logan County.
An outbreak of a severe form of scabies this year in Logan County had a number of medical professionals and patients scratching their heads in frustration, as this uncommon form of scabies is incredibly contagious and also is difficult to treat.
Scabies are mites that burrow into the upper layer of skin, where it lives and lays its eggs. The Norwegian or “crusted” scabies reported in the county is so contagious because of the large number of mites found in and on the skin, County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott noted at the October Logan County District Board of Health meeting, when the outbreak was first reported.
“As a practicing physician, I had never run into Norwegian scabies before. With this form of the scabies, each of the scabs that the person develops can have up to 10,000 mites.
“It can take up to a month for the person with the mites to develop a skin allergy, so in the meantime, they can pass it along to others they have close contact with.”
Three cases of crusted scabies had been confirmed at the board of health’s most recent meeting in December, along with five cases of regular scabies in Logan County.
During this meeting, LCHD officials reported on a scabies treatment day Nov. 17 at several facilities in the county, where approximately 200 patients were treated. The day was deemed a success, as no recurring cases had been reported afterward.
Employees from the health district and also from Mary Rutan Hospital helped to staff this clinic to treat patients with the confirmed cases and those individuals who had been in contact with them.
Dr. Hoddinott said each of the cases were reported in adults of various ages, and the crusted scabies often afflicts those with weakened immune systems, and the disabled or elderly.
During the treatment day, the medical staff was charged with applying a topical cream on the patients “from head to toe,” the health commissioner said. Because of the contagious nature of this skin infestation, participating medical workers then had to apply the same cream to themselves and take special precautions when laundering their clothing worn that day.
“This was a big undertaking, and I’m very proud of our staff and the hospital workers,” he said. “These are wonderful people — thank you so much.”
“This was public health at its best; this day was a big success,” Nursing Director Kay Schroer said.
The health commissioner said hospital staff billed insurance companies and state agencies for the topical medication used for the patients, which had a total estimated cost of $18,000 to $20,000.
Read complete story Saturday’s Examiner.
CLICK HERE to subscribe today!
WEB EDITION STARTING AT $9.50 FOR 5 WEEKS!