A RECENT outbreak of scabies amongst police and military personnel deployed in Ceuta has been traced to poorly kept barracks.
It comes after an officer returning to Madrid from the Spanish enclave developed rashes on his chest and stomach, which was confirmed to be a scabies infection.
So far, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed 24 cases of scabies amongst military personnel in Ceuta.
Police union Jupol has raised the alarm, calling for medical tests to be carried out on all police officers returning from the Spanish exclave.
The union has also launched a legal review into whether officers on scene were properly supplied with protective equipment and health and safety measures.
Officers only received masks and gloves on August 8, despite requesting them on August 5, according to the union.
READ MORE: Morocco makes 111 arrests after second mass Ceuta migrant crossing attempt falls flat
The source of the infection has been traced back to a former coastal battery in García Aldave, Ceuta, where at least 14 soldiers from the same unit became infected, after being housed there on August 15.
This facility is normally unused, hygienically not up to standard, and has previously been the site for past infestations due to overcrowded conditions, according to the Union of Troops (UMT).
Scabies is a common infection in areas of high humidity, and is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items (such as bedsheets, clothes, or towels) with an infected person.
Military personnel affected by the outbreak are receiving treatment, while measures have been taken to disinfect military facilities to prevent the spread.
Click here to read more Health News from The Olive Press.
