Fifty-one inmates of Yolde-Pate Correctional Centre in Adamawa state have been confirmed to be infected with scabies.
According to the state’s epidemiologist, Damba Kwinke, the first case was recorded in August 2023. He further revealed that investigations revealed that some of the individuals held in the Criminal Investigation Department at the state police headquarters were among those who had contracted the disease, including the index case.
Kwinke also revealed that scabies is caused by an infestation of parasitic mites that cause intense itching to the skin. The state epidemiologist who urged the authorities of the correctional centre to promote hygiene among staff and inmates to prevent the outbreak from spreading further, added that Yolde-pate Correctional Centre is currently the only facility in the state with recorded cases of scabies.
He said; “The disease is highly contagious, and it can easily be transmitted from person to person, causing secondary skin infections”.
Responding to the outbreak, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Barrister Isuwa Misali, delivered health kits and sanitary materials to the correctional centre to help address the issue. The correctional centre received 16 different health items, including Sulphur ointment, sanitizers, face masks, hypo, hand wash, cotton wool, medicated soap, hard duty gloves, ORS, and Calamine Lotion.