KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE
In an effort to quell a small outbreak of scabies, the Kugluktuk District Education Authority has cancelled all its after-school activities for two weeks.
Monique Skinner, the acting director of population health in the Kitikmeot, confirmed the health centre in Kugluktuk has treated less than six cases of scabies.
The disease is contagious but not dangerous, she added, and happens just like lice happens.
Outbreaks are more frequent in the fall and winter months, she added.
"It's a very small outbreak and it's not a danger to the community," said Skinner.
"I think this will die a natural death. The people who have contracted scabies will be treated. They'll wash their bed clothing and then that will be the end of the story."
Both schools in the community are operating normally but after-school activities during the week of March 11 and 18 have been cancelled, said Jonathan Bird with Kitikmeot school operations. He added the issue had come to his attention five days prior.
"Our DEA has taken a proactive approach in the community and cancelled after-school activities. We've heard unconfirmed numbers of two or three perhaps at the elementary school, but that has not been confirmed with the health centre," said Bird. "There is a nasty flu that is going around the community that's hitting attendance much more than the scabies."
He added officials are monitoring the situation and checking in daily with the schools.
Scabies is caused by a skin infestation of the human itch mite and spread through direct, prolonged contact with the skin of an infected person, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infected persons will typically develop intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
Treatment includes the application of scabicide lotion or cream all over the body.
Skinner was sympathetic to the families of the affected children because they will have to wash the kids' clothing and bed sheets often in an effort to quell the disease.
In the four winters she has spent in Kugluktuk, Skinner said this is the first time the community has seen scabies.
Scabies is not like the flu, she added, where it just spreads, then there is a quiet period before it breaks out again.
