A case of scabies has been found at Sherwood Elementary School.
The Guardian has obtained a letter principal Jean Boudreau sent to parents Monday, stating the school is “proactively disinfecting one classroom as well as common surfaces and washrooms.”
Boudreau also included information about the mite that causes the skin rash.
Parker Grimmer, director of the Public Schools Branch, said the department is aware of the incident.
“We are collaborating with and working with public health.”
According to the Department of Health and Communicable Disease booklet given to schools, the incubation period for the mite that causes scabies can be several days or even weeks before itching is noticed. Reddened, raised lesions are prominent around fingers, wrists, elbows, and the skin can be intensely itchy, especially at night.
It spreads through direct contact, such as hand holding, or through soiled linens.
The federal Department of Health advises that children with scabies should stay out of school until they and their families have been adequately treated.
More information is available at Health P.E.I.’s public health nursing at 902-368-4530.
Scabies facts:
Incubation period: Several days or even weeks before itching is noticed.
How to recognize: Penetration of mite under the skin, visible lesions. Reddened, raised, prominent around fingers, wrists, elbows, but can be found elsewhere on the body. Intensely itchy, especially at night.
How it spreads: Direct contact – person to person, contact with soiled bed clothing.
When it is catching: While mites and eggs are still alive and present on the infested person or bed clothing.
What to do at home: Daily changes of clothing and bed clothing. Effective cleansing of laundry. Daily bathing followed by application of treatment as prescribed. Instructions provided by the product for the treatment of scabies must be followed carefully.
What to do at school: Exclude from school until children and families have been adequately treated.
Source: Department of Health and Communicable Disease booklet given to schools
Additional information can be obtained from:
Health P.E.I. – Public Health Nursing at 902-368-4530
For scabies fact sheet, click here.
