2008 Woodie Awards
Minor scabies outbreak cause for concern
Residents, CA's of Phillips-Hawkins Residence Hall say the skin parasite is clearing up
Chloe Johnson
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Campus News
A small outbreak of scabies in the Phillips-Hawkins Residence Hall is in regression, according to a number of students who live there.
Those infected with the skin parasite are not 100 percent sure how they contracted the illness, but many from an international students trip to Washington, D.C. observed symptoms a week or two after their return. They described the hostel they stayed in as "scummy."
Scabies is defined by the Center for Disease Control as an infestation of the skin by a microscopic mite. It produces itching sores which can become infected. The condition is spread by direct, prolonged contact - hugs or handshakes would not be enough - or may occur when sharing bedding, clothing, or towels.
Many of the international students, particularly in the Hawkins wing, initially noticed spots on their bodies that were red and itchy. Several students went to the health center where they were diagnosed with scabies. They were told to wash everything they owned, including sheets, pillows and clothing. Some students even covered their chairs with plastic bags and sprayed the room with disinfectant sprays. They were also given a lotion to apply as treatment.
"I only got five or so spots," said resident Iris Tripolt. "That wasn't the annoying thing. It was the washing and cleaning of all the clothes."
"I needed to put lotion on for 8 to 14 hours and then wash it off," described one international student, who only gave the name Anni. "Apparently the eggs will stay inside my skin for thirty days but they will die after that unless you catch them again from someone else…It is very uncomfortable because it is so itchy, but the lotion does help."
Emails were sent to everyone in the Phillips-Hawkins residence warning them scabies was going around and to be aware of any symptoms and how to treat them. Coordinator for Residential Learning at Phillips-Hawkins Robert Watson prefaced the email by downplaying any worry of an epidemic.
"I do not want to cause a panic or for anyone to be overly concerned," he wrote on Oct. 27, "However at the IPC's request we are informing you of the following information."
"It has been blown out of proportion more than it should have been," agreed Julie Irvin, community advisor. "We are just advising students that think they have symptoms to go to the health center and wash everything they own."
Still, many students are concerned, prompting anonymous phone calls to The Carolinian last week, as well as those taking general caution around the dormitory. Requests for information on the outbreak from Anna M. Gove Health Center received no response.
"I haven't got it yet," said Kadri Raudvere, "But I am being so careful because so many people have it or have had it in the past weeks."
Those infected with the skin parasite are not 100 percent sure how they contracted the illness, but many from an international students trip to Washington, D.C. observed symptoms a week or two after their return. They described the hostel they stayed in as "scummy."
Scabies is defined by the Center for Disease Control as an infestation of the skin by a microscopic mite. It produces itching sores which can become infected. The condition is spread by direct, prolonged contact - hugs or handshakes would not be enough - or may occur when sharing bedding, clothing, or towels.
Many of the international students, particularly in the Hawkins wing, initially noticed spots on their bodies that were red and itchy. Several students went to the health center where they were diagnosed with scabies. They were told to wash everything they owned, including sheets, pillows and clothing. Some students even covered their chairs with plastic bags and sprayed the room with disinfectant sprays. They were also given a lotion to apply as treatment.
"I only got five or so spots," said resident Iris Tripolt. "That wasn't the annoying thing. It was the washing and cleaning of all the clothes."
"I needed to put lotion on for 8 to 14 hours and then wash it off," described one international student, who only gave the name Anni. "Apparently the eggs will stay inside my skin for thirty days but they will die after that unless you catch them again from someone else…It is very uncomfortable because it is so itchy, but the lotion does help."
Emails were sent to everyone in the Phillips-Hawkins residence warning them scabies was going around and to be aware of any symptoms and how to treat them. Coordinator for Residential Learning at Phillips-Hawkins Robert Watson prefaced the email by downplaying any worry of an epidemic.
"I do not want to cause a panic or for anyone to be overly concerned," he wrote on Oct. 27, "However at the IPC's request we are informing you of the following information."
"It has been blown out of proportion more than it should have been," agreed Julie Irvin, community advisor. "We are just advising students that think they have symptoms to go to the health center and wash everything they own."
Still, many students are concerned, prompting anonymous phone calls to The Carolinian last week, as well as those taking general caution around the dormitory. Requests for information on the outbreak from Anna M. Gove Health Center received no response.
"I haven't got it yet," said Kadri Raudvere, "But I am being so careful because so many people have it or have had it in the past weeks."
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