Mange

Overview

How can I get sick? 

Mange can spread to animals and humans in several different ways.  

• It is spread to humans when they have close contact with infected* animals. 
• Mites are transferred to new carriers when the infected human or animal touches other humans or animals. 
•  Larvae* and nymphs* can also fall off the infected human or animal and can survive in the environment for several weeks.  

Symptoms in humans: 

• Very bad itching, especially at night 
• Redness 
• Rash 
• Sores caused by scratching  
• Blisters 

Symptoms in animals:  

Some animals that are exposed to mites may not show any signs of infection, but the general symptoms are:  

• Very bad itching 
• Hair thinning 
• Hair loss (typically around animal’s face and ears) 
• Thickened skin 
• Scabbing  
• Redness and rash 
• Thick yellow crusts

What can I do to stay healthy? 

• Carefully clean and sanitize areas where an infected* person or animal lives or spends time.  
• Clean clothes and bedding that an infected* person or animal has used by washing them with hot water and drying with hot air.  
• Make sure humans and animals who have had close contact with an infected* human or animal receive treatment. 
• If you are infected*, stay away from people or animals who are not infected*. 
• Wash your hands carefully after touching or treating an animal that is infected*. 
  • Proper Handwashing – Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub your thumbs, between your fingers and the tops and bottoms of your hands. Dry your hands with a paper towel.   

*Definitions:

• Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism.  
• Larvae: Early development stage of an animal, which occurs after birth and before reaching the adult form.  
• Nymphs: A form of an insect that has not yet developed into an adult.