CEDAR RAPIDS (AP) - The Linn County Public Health has issued a health alert regarding multiple cases of scabies that emerged in the Cedar Rapids area this week.

Director Curtis Dickson said Thursday the type of scabies has been identified as Norwegian, and is usually uncommon in this area.

Scabies is a microscopic mite that causes inflammation and skin irritation and is spread mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms of an infestation are itching and tiny reddened dots on the skin.

People living in the same house and having skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies should be treated at the same time to prevent further spread.

Bedding, clothing, towels and other linens that are used within three days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried using the hot dryer cycle.