MANTON — Manton Consolidated Schools officials are warning parents to be vigilant after they discovered a student had contracted a contagious skin disease.

Superintendent Len Morrow said they informed parents about the discovery of scabies in a student and contacted the district health department.

Morrow said they often take similar measures when students are found to have other contagious ailments such as lice and chickenpox.

District Health Department No. 10 sent out a letter to parents on Monday to inform them of the situation and offer treatment, sanitation and attendance suggestions.

According to the letter, the mite is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or through the sharing of an infested person's personal items such as clothing or bedding.

Parents are asked to observe their children for intense itching (especially at night) and rash. The rash can usually be seen between fingers and webbing; on wrists and elbows; on armpits and breasts; on waists and thighs; and genitalia and lower buttocks.

Infants can experience a rash on their face, scalp, palms of hands and soles and feet.

Symptoms usually appear within two to six weeks after coming into contact with a person who has scabies. Persons who have had scabies before may have symptoms appear within one to four days.

A parent who is concerned their child may have scabies should see their family doctor, according to the press release. It is recommended that if your child has scabies, the entire family should be treated.

A doctor can prescribe medications that can kill the scabies mite.

To avoid becoming infested, the health department suggests washing items such as clothing and bedding in hot water and detergent. Water temperature should be set to the highest temperature possible. Use the hot setting on the dryer to dry the items for at least 20 minutes.

Non-washable items such as shoes, coats, jackets and scarves can be disinfected in one of three ways: place the items in the dryer for at least 20 minutes on the hot setting; seal the items in a plastic bag for one week at room temperature or hotter; or seal the items in a plastic bag and freeze them for 12 hours.

Fumigating rooms and using insecticidal sprays on furniture, infant carriers, child car seats and carpets are not recommended for cases of common scabies. Thorough cleaning and vacuuming of these items is sufficient.

Children who have scabies should be excluded from school and/or extracurricular activities until treatment has been completed. 

Any questions can be directed to District Health Department No. 10 public health nurse at (231) 775-9942. Information can also be found at www.cdc.gov.