USD 377 courtesy Atchison County School District
The Atchison County Community Elementary School is warning parents about the possible outbreak of scabies.
The letter issued to parents Monday was written by school nurse Cheri Hawk to inform parents that a confirmed case of scabies was found in the school.
The letter informs parents about symptoms and treatments of the skin infestation caused by a human itch mite.
“The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies,” the letter stated. “On a person, scabies mites can live for as long as 1-2 months. Off a person, scabies mites usually do not survive more than 48-72 hours.”
Click here to read full letter.
The school said an infected child is allowed to return to school the morning after their first treatment which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
“In addition to the infested person, treatment also is recommended for household members, particularly those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the infested person,” the letter said. “All persons should be treated at the same time in order to prevent re-infestation. Retreatment may be necessary if itching continues more than 2-4 weeks after treatment or if new burrows or rash continue to appear.”
The school assures parents it is taking all precautions to prevent the spread of scabies.