In February, six cases of scabies were diagnosed at California State University, East Bay by the Student Health Center, according to Andrea Wilson, associate vice president of Student Support and Development. Typically one case of scabies is reported per month on campus.

In an email sent out to residents on campus, scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by mites, formally known as Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow under the top layer of skin. The mites deposit eggs and feces under the skin, which causes an allergic reaction to form.

Scabies is extremely contagious and is spread by direct contact. When a person is first infected by scabies, there are usually no symptoms for the first two to six weeks, the email states.

Symptoms of scabies include itching, especially at night and over most of the body, lines where the mites have burrowed under the skin, as well as red, raised and often blistered bumps that look like a rash.

“Scabies is common on college campuses because students are constantly in close proximity with one another, there are a lot of skin to skin contact, and sharing of bedding and clothes,” said Wilson.

Reports from the World Health Organization show that not only is scabies found on college campuses, but also schools or childcare facilities, hospitals, elderly homes, and anywhere where people are in close contact with each other.

To receive treatment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends acquiring prescription medication, with Permethrin being the drug of choice.

“No ‘over-the-counter’ (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat human scabies,” the CDC’s website states.

After applying the permethrin cream, people who are infected may be contagious for 8-14 hours after, although the itch may still continue, a doctor at St. Rose Hospital verified.

It is important to go through two treatments of the medication because it does not kill the eggs, only the mites. By doing two treatments, it will assure that the body itself is rid of the infection.

Without treatment, scabies will only worsen. It will not naturally heal on its own, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company states.

“We cannot determine an origin [for scabies].  All the cases are not related to one another. However, students are encouraged to have their sexual partners seek treatment as well,” said Wilson, who also said that there are no proven hot spots on campus, or places where scabies is centrally located.

“Currently, we are trying our best to educate the campus community and bring awareness to avoid the further spread of scabies,” said Wilson. “We help them to identify the symptoms, seek resources and prevention methods.”

If you have any questions or concerns about scabies, contact the Student Health and Counseling Services at (510) 885-3735 or [email protected]. Additional information can also be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/.