School Closure Confirmed as Scabies Outbreak Prompts Urgent Action in Devon
A school in the Torbay area of Devon has been temporarily closed due to a confirmed outbreak of scabies, a highly contagious skin condition frequently enough associated with Victorian-era poverty. The headteacher made the decision to shut the site as a precautionary measure to limit further spread of the infestation, impacting students and families.
While torbay Council acknowledges a small number of scabies cases in the region,officials initially downplayed the severity,stating individual infections were not an immediate cause for concern and that no schools had closed.However, the school closure confirms a more notable response to the outbreak, raising questions about the initial assessment. Scabies, caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, requires medical treatment and does not typically resolve on its own.
The council stated, “We are aware of a small number of scabies cases in the area, but scabies is not a condition that needs to be reported to health authorities.” Despite earlier reports suggesting infections were recorded in three schools, the local authority refuted claims of widespread closures.
authorities are urging parents and carers with concerns to contact their child’s school directly. The council added, “Individual schools are communicating directly with parents and carers, and we ask families to speak to their child’s school with any concerns.” Scabies is characterized by intense itching and a bumpy rash, and is spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
