A day care center in Andradas, a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, suspended classes until Tuesday following a suspected outbreak of human scabies among students.
At least seven cases are currently under investigation by the municipal Health Secretariat. Local authorities ordered the temporary closure to control the spread of the contagious skin infection after several children showed symptoms.
Andradas is located in the interior of Minas Gerais, an inland state in southeastern Brazil. Scabies, also known as escabiosis, is a skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which infects the upper layer of the skin, causing intense itching and rashes.
According to dermatologist Andressa Vargas, transmission occurs through direct and prolonged contact with an infected person. Vargas noted that transmission happens more easily in environments like day care centers, where young children maintain frequent physical contact during daily activities.
Transmission and symptoms
The primary signs of infection following exposure include intense itching and small red bumps or blisters on the body, which can lead to skin wounds. While the disease can also spread by sharing clothing, towels, and bed linen, Vargas indicated that this route is less common in standard cases of scabies.
Health experts emphasize that scabies is not a severe disease and has effective treatment, though quick action is required to avoid further skin lesions and a worsening infectious condition. Vargas explained that excessive scratching can create open wounds that lead to secondary bacterial infections requiring extra treatment.
Vargas added that severe cases are rare and typically associated with crusted scabies, a form of the condition more common in elderly, immunosuppressed, or debilitated individuals. Consequently, deaths from scabies are rare and generally linked to secondary infectious complications rather than the mite directly.
Control and hygiene measures
To interrupt the contagious cycle, Vargas stated that it is necessary to wash clothing and towels recently used by an infected person, preferably with hot water. Items that cannot be washed must be isolated in a sealed plastic bag for several days.
For the day care facility, regulations require specialized cleaning of all toys, wall panels, floor mats, and classrooms. Following the scheduled return to classes on Tuesday, health officials advised parents to redouble their attention regarding the hygiene of infants' clothing.
