Blackfoot student reportedly has Scabies

The Blackfoot School District reports a student at Blackfoot High School has Scabies.

The district says the student has interactions with siblings and students at I.T. Stoddard Elementary as well.

Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabei. The infestation does require treatment, so you will need to contact your health provider, the district said in a letter to parents.

Officials said the custodial staff performed a thorough disinfection of the two schools immediately after school.

Signs and symptoms of scabies infestation are:

Pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, especially in the skin fold, between fingers and shoulder blades Intense itching especially at night and over most of the body Sores on the body that have become infected due to scratching.

Scabies is passed by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Contact must be prolonged. A quick handshake or hug will not spread the infestation.

Eastern Idaho Public Health says it takes two to six weeks before itching is noticed.

The district says infected children have to be kept out of school until 24 hours after initial treatment.

You can read the district’s full release HERE.