Key Summary
- Devon has a scabies outbreak, with Torbay worst affected
- It spreads easily through close contact and causes intense itching
- Schools are urging families to take precautions and complete treatment
Devon is now facing an outbreak of scabies, a Victorian-age contagious skin infection caused by mites, and many schools have been closed as a precautionary measure, according to media reports.
Around 19 cases have been reported, and Torbay region is the worst hit.
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to intense itching and a rash.
As per the NHS, the common symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and rashes.
Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and can pass easily between people who live, work or study closely together.
For those infected, scabies affects around the wrists, under the arms and around the waist, groin, and bottom. If left untreated, it can spread across the whole body.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the people often mistake the symptoms to other skin conditions, leading to avoidable transmission.
Experts suggest that one should avoid sharing bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies, and avoid close physical contact until a full course of treatment has been completed.
Many colleges and schools in the region have urged the parents, carers and workers to ensure that all appropriate precautions are taken.
