A case analysis of a scabies infection outbreak in a middle school in Shaanxi Province
10.19428/j.cnki.sjpm.2026.250407
- VernacularTitle:陕西省某中学一起疥疮感染案例分析
- Author:
Fen GAO
1
;
Xiaokang HAO
1
;
Xin LIU
1
;
Xiaojie ZHAO
1
;
Licuan REN
1
;
Juan ZHOU
1
;
2
Author Information
1. ZHANGJuan3
2. Clinical Medical Center for High Altitude Gastroenterology of Xizang Autonomous Region, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712082, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
scabies;
student;
Sarcoptes scabiei;
outbreak
- From:
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine
2026;38(6):488-492
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo conduct an epidemiological investigation and analysis of a clustered scabies outbreak in a middle school, so as to provide evidence for developing targeted prevention and control strategies. MethodsCase data on a clustered scabies outbreak occurring in a middle school of Shaanxi Province in 2025 were collected. Field epidemiological approaches were adopted to define cases, search for infected individuals, and describe the temporal, spatial, and population distribution. Specimens were collected from individuals and surrounding environments for laboratory testing. ResultsA total of 25 scabies cases were identified in 4 classes and 9 dormitories of the school. All cases were first-year high school students. The overall attack rate was 6.00% (25/414); the attack rate was 10.53% (22/209) among male students and 1.46% (3/205) among female students. The disease course ranged from 10 to 30 days, with a median duration of 14 days, and 3 students (12.00%) continued attending classes with ongoing infection. Skin scrapings collected from lesion sites of 3 patients were examined under microscopy, all of which were positive for Sarcoptes scabiei; no laboratory testing was performed for the remaining cases. This clustered scabies infection outbreak lasted for one month. All affected students recovered completely without severe complications or deaths, and the outbreak was effectively contained. ConclusionThis scabies infection is a clustered school-based scabies outbreak caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Affected patients present relatively severe symptoms and a prolonged disease course. Scientific and standardized preventive systems should be established to enable timely early warning and emergency response.
