By Jessie Weisner

AHS says scabies outbreak at Crescent Heights High School is a non threat

Jan 17, 2019 | 3:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Parents and students are concerned after a scabies infestation turned up at Crescent Heights High School.

On Wednesday, multiple posts turned up on Facebook, but the school and Alberta Health Services says there’s nothing to cause a panic about.

“In public health, it’s not even considered a notifiable disease,” says Dr. Lizette Elumir, South Zone medical officer. “It’s not something that we follow or do surveillance on because it’s not something that can be life threatening.”

The School Board confirms there’s been ‘several’ cases at the school over the last couple of days.

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Scabies consists of tiny mites burrowing into the outer layers of human skin, causing itchy rashes. It’s similar to lice, but living on the skin.

As uncomfortable as it sounds, it’s more common than people think.

“It exists so it will happen, it always happens,” says Dr. Elumir “People get it all the time and they don’t even realize it.”

In addition, there needs to be significant physical contact for it to spread. Such as sharing clothing, towels or being intimate.

“It is not something that is rampantly spread among people in a community, it’s spread from one person to another,” says Dr. Elumir. “That’s why it’s often spread among family members, because they share towels.”

If it is contracted, it’s a pretty simple process to get rid of the little mites.

“I would definitely see your family doctor first because they would be telling you how to treat it,” says Dr. Elumir. “The treatment involves a lotion, and then you make sure all your clothing, bedding and towels and things are washed and put in a hot dryer.”

As of now, the school board has emailed out an information sheet on prevention and treatment to parents.

For any parents concerned about the scabies outbreak at Crescent Heights High School: pic.twitter.com/Fr4PuhleBZ

— Jessie Weisner (@CHATTVWeisner) January 17, 2019