Harlandale ISD confirms 5 cases of scabies at middle school

SAN ANTONIO – The Harlandale Independent School District announced Wednesday it is disinfecting one of its middle schools after five confirmed cases of scabies.

The district said four students and one adult at Terrell Wells Middle School tested positive over the past couple of weeks.

HISD will be disinfecting the school all week and is alerting parents with robo-calls, as well as sending a letter home with students.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, scabies is an infestation of the skin by a mite and it usually spreads by skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.

The most common symptoms are intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scabies can be treated with a prescription cream or lotion.

A nurse practitioner with University Health System will be on campus Thursday to assist with any new cases that may be reported.

HISD says she will be able to examine any child and/or staff member, and prescribe medication if needed, before sending them home.