Officials investigating possible scabies outbreak at metro elementary school

ATLANTA — Parents tell Channel 2 Action News they are concerned after they learned a student tested positive for scabies at a metro elementary school.

Officials at Kipp Strive Primary School confirmed to Channel 2's Audrey Washington that one student was diagnosed with scabies and now four other families are reporting suspected cases to the school.

School officials said they are now working to better inform parents, teachers and students about scabies.

Parent Dale Ringer told Washington he had no idea how serious the situation was.

“You’re the first one that said anything to me about it,” Ringer said.

This week, a parent sent Washington an anonymous email about the case at the school in southwest Atlanta.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite. Symptoms include a red rash and itching.

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On Wednesday, the managing director with the school system confirmed the case to Washington and sent her a statement that reads, in part:

“Last week, we received confirmation that one student at KIPP STRIVE Primary School was diagnosed with scabies. Out of an abundance of caution, the school leader contacted all parents about the confirmed case and shared information from the Georgia Department of Public Health about the disease.”

“You think of all kinds of nasty stuff when you think of scabies,” Ringer said.

After school officials said they took action to ensure student health, more news came from four different families.

The managing director stated:

“We have had four additional families reach out to the school with suspected cases. Each family has been directed to keep their student at home until they receive medical treatment or confirmation that it is not a case of scabies.”

Ringer said he’s still concerned and wants to know more.

“The kid could have gotten it from home and brought it to school,” he said.

School officials told Washington a representative from the Georgia Department of Public Health will present more information and answer questions about scabies Dec.16.

Cox Media Group