Crime & Safety
Scabies Scare Forces Queens Fire House To Close: Reports
A Flushing fire station was shuttered after a firefighter came down with a case of scabies, the New York Post reported.
QUEENS, NEW YORK — A Queens firefighter came down with scabies and forced a Flushing station to close temporarily for disinfection, according to reports.
The Engine 320 firehouse on Francis Lewis Boulevard near 37th Avenue was shuttered Thursday so that a cleaning crew to fight the lice-like infestation, the New York Post reported.
About 100 firefighters were also given skin cream to disinfect themselves from scabies, burrowing mites that lay eggs in the skin, causing itchiness and a rash, the Post reported.
Find out what's happening in Flushing-Murray Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The FDNY told NBC News the companies have been moved to other houses while the firehouse is being cleaned.
Scabies usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact or shared personal items, such as sheets or towels, according to WebMD.
Find out what's happening in Flushing-Murray Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The bugs cannot normally spread through a handshake or quick contact as scabies mite can’t jump or fly.
Photo courtesy of GoogleMaps
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