Confirmed outbreak of scabies in Bideford area

The Health Protection Agency has confirmed there is a small outbreak of scabies in the Bideford area.

The news came after Bideford College posted a notice on their website on Friday giving information to both students and parents.

This triggered primary schools in the area to do the same to ensure the spread of the contagious skin infection was kept to a minimum.

But Veronica Matthews, the principal of the college, wanted to make clear that the infection had not stemmed from the college.

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She said there had been a very small number of cases at the college.

Miss Matthews added: “I want to make sure that the college is not seen as the centre.

“Unfortunately the health service released a notice to all schools to make it sound as though it was the centre, which it is not.

“It is business as usual at the college and we are not closing the premises despite rumours.

“The infection is very easily treated and so as long as students have had treatment they are able to return to school.”

A spokeswoman from the Health Protection Agency advised anyone who thinks they may have the infection to visit their GP as soon as possible to receive treatment.

She added: “It can be easily transferred through prolonged skin contact such as people holding hands.”

For more information about the symptoms visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/Scabies.