Confirmed cases of scabies in Cannonvale
PARENTS have been urged to check their children following confirmed cases of scabies at Cannonvale State School this afternoon.
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabei mites.
It causes an often severe itchy reaction and raised red lumps on the affected area.
Queensland Health was contacted for comment and referred the Whitsunday Times to their fact sheet.
"Scabies is passed from person to person through prolonged direct contact with infested skin," the statement said.
It is recommended that close contact be avoided with an affected person until medical advice has been received by a doctor.
Infestation commonly occurs in genital areas, buttocks, lower abdomen, wrists, forearms and webs between the fingers.
Anyone suspected of developing scabies should immediately seek medical advice as ongoing irritation and the risk of infecting others rises if left untreated.
More to come.
