JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of employees of Baptist Medical Center South underwent preventative treatment for tiny skin mites last month after two on the hospital staff contracted scabies from a patient.
News4Jax learned that the two workers who were infected were cleared and returned to work in mid-June.
Recommended Videos
Baptist said that out of an abundance of caution, 270 caregivers who worked where the initial patient was treated received preventative treatment. Baptist feels there is no longer any threat to any other patients, visitors or employees.
Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact, according to the Mayo Clinic. The reason scabies is such a problem is because these mites burrow into your skin, where it lives and lays eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies is intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash, but the person could have had mites on skin for up to six weeks before the symptoms appear.
Treatment involves a prescription medication that kills both the mites and their eggs.
"Due to the nature of their important work, healthcare providers are at increased risk for being exposed to various diseases and conditions. We commend them for taking care of the community despite that risk," Baptist said in a statement.