Health officials have officially diagnosed the skin condition affecting nine patients at the Geriatric Hospital as scabies.

Scabies is an infectious disease caused by a specific mite known as the itch mite.

During a media briefing at the Pan American Health Organisation, Dayrells Road, Chief Medical Officer, The Most Honourable Dr. Kenneth George, said it was nothing they had not dealt with before and that there was no cause for public alarm.

However, he noted that one staff member had also been diagnosed with the skin condition.

As such, Infection and Prevention Control Officer Alvin Hart is reminding hospital staff to adhere to health protocols and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

He also stated that they are still seeking the original source of the outbreak.

The Ministry is currently sourcing additional supplies of permethrin five per cent cream, as there is currently an insufficient amount on the island. (CA)

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