ILLNESS ALERT!
Scabies diagnosis in Caterpillar Cottage
Scabies
We wanted to make you aware that a child in the Caterpillar Cottage has been diagnosed with Scabies.
Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). 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. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through skin to skin contact. A person can be contagious with scabies for 4-6 weeks before any symptoms occur.
Scabies mites do not survive more than 2-3 days away from human skin. Items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by a person with scabies can be decontaminated by machine-washing in hot water and drying using the hot cycle or by dry-cleaning. Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned can be decontaminated by removing from any body contact for at least 72 hours.
This morning, every cottage was treated. All carpets and soft items that are too large to be washed were treated with RID spray. RID is traditionally used for lice and bed bugs, however it contains the active ingredient Permethrin which also kills scabies mites and their eggs. All soft items have been bagged and will be washed with hot water and dried on high heat.
Below we have included a link from the Center for Disease Control's website so you can better inform yourself. Please note that type of scabies that was diagnosed was NOT Norwegian crusted scabies. Should you or your child develop any symptoms, please see your healthcare provider immediately and inform the school.