Workers of the Subway and Premetro Workers' Union (AGTSyP) have reported the presence of a scabies infestation on Line B of the city's underground. Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a skin disease that affects people between the third and sixth week after infection.
The main recommendation to combat this infestation is the treatment of the entire family or close contacts in case of contagion, as well as washing used clothing in hot water. The use of medicated creams and topical lotions is advised to relieve itching, along with ironing the clothing to eliminate any traces of the parasite.
Users on social media expressed their complaints about the lack of hygiene in subway stations, pointing out issues such as bad odors, broken escalators, mold, and leaks. It was reported that the cost of a subway ticket amid the current economic crisis is $757 for registered SUBE cards.
AGTSyP demanded that the company EMOVA, responsible for managing the subway, find a prompt solution to the scabies infestation and other pests that pose a danger to workers and users of the service. The importance of early detection of the disease to prevent complications, especially in people with HIV, was emphasized.
It is crucial to go to a health center if scabies is suspected and to follow medical instructions. The organization reminded that animals do not transmit human scabies and that outbreaks usually occur in spaces with a high concentration of people. The WHO classified this disease as a neglected tropical disease in 2017.
