Two dozen children and teachers are being treated after an outbreak of scabies at a day care and preschool in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the South Side.
The Chicago Commons Paulo Friere Center has about 150 kids, and at least 14 of them have been diagnosed with scabies, school officials said. Ten teachers also have been infected.
Scabies is caused by mites that burrow into the skin, causing itchy, red bumps or a rash. It usually spreads by skin-to-skin contact.
Children who attend the school are 7 weeks to 5 years old. Most of the infected kids are between the ages of 3 and 5.
School officials say they learned of a possible scabies outbreak May 18.
“That same day, letters were sent home to the parents outlining that their child could possibly have been exposed to scabies, what to look for and as soon as symptoms presented to send their child to the doctor,” said Sarah Frick, a senior vice president at the school.
On May 30, another round of kids were diagnosed. But the school says no children have shown any new symptoms since last week.
“Anything like lice, chickenpox, scabies, when you’re in a setting where there’s a lot of children, lots of hands touching the same objects these types of things do occur,” Frick said.
School officials said they have vigorously cleaned everything, including playground equipment, and have helped parents find doctors.
Health officials have not recommended closing the school since the condition is not life-threatening. Children who have been diagnosed can return to school 24 hours after getting treatment.