Scabies itchy condition which results in rashes on the skin and is caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.

According to Haitian Health authorities, this skin disease has affected residents of several communities in the west of the country, for several days.

Last week, mobile clinics were deployed to monitor areas such as La Gonave, Petit-Goâve and Arcahaie.

The Haitian government has sought to assure the population that adequate efforts are being made to eradicate the disease.

“An awareness and information campaign for the general public and the affected areas is already underway. It covers personal hygiene, the use of drinking water, laundry and the treatment of infected clothes. Note that unsanitary conditions are fertile ground for skin disease such as scabies,” said a government statement.

The BVI government currently has a travel ban on Haiti’s nearest neighbour, The Dominican Republic. However, it is unclear whether the BVI government sees the new outbreak in Haiti as a threat to the territory at this time.