North Carolina Prison Identifies Scabies Cases, Initiates Treatment Amid Inmate Concerns
At least two inmates at Neuse Correctional Institution, a medium-custody prison in Goldsboro, North Carolina, were diagnosed with scabies in July after dozens reported intense itching and skin bumps. Inmates described persistent discomfort, with symptoms appearing as early as late May. Initially, some inmates received diagnoses for other conditions like allergic reactions or folliculitis, and were prescribed treatments that did not alleviate their symptoms. The N.C. Department of Adult Correction communications director, Keith Acree, confirmed the diagnoses and stated that other inmates with dermatological symptoms were screened, though not all findings were consistent with scabies. The prison began screening and evaluating its population after one inmate was diagnosed at a local hospital. Scabies, caused by microscopic mites, spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or shared items, and symptoms can take up to two months to appear, making containment challenging in crowded settings. 
