The second school within weeks has confirmed its cases to CornwallLive
16:00, 12 Mar 2026Updated 17:08, 12 Mar 2026
Camborne Science & International Academy has reported a small outbreak of scabies
An outbreak of scabies has hit a large Cornwall secondary school.
Camborne Science & International Academy (CSIA) confirmed the recent outbreak of the infection.
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by microscopic mites that burrow under human skin.
It is the second school in less than three weeks to confirm cases of scabies.
Last month Newlyn School said two families had been infected. The rumour mill has been spinning in Facebook about the spread of scabies. Parents have also reported cases schools in Truro and Penzance.
Scabies is caused by a small mite which lives in the skin and is spread by close skin contact with an infected individual.
According to the NHS, symptoms of scabies include intense itching, especially at night and a raised rash or spots which may look red.
The infection, first described in Roman times by the author Aulus Cornelius Celsus in 25AD, has been making a come back of late all over Britain and Europe too.
As reported by The Guardian, a 2024 report from the UK Health Security Agency found annual increases from 2021, growing even more significantly since 2023.
While the years leading to the Covid pandemic saw a relatively stable 1,500 cases annually, there was a 44 per cent increase in diagnoses between 2023 and 2024 (4,872 in 2024, up from 3,393), when socialising was back to normal again. There was small outbreak at Truro College in 2024.
Figures from the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Research and Surveillance Centre also show a rise in scabies, especially in autumn and winter months when people spend more time indoors, and return to schools and universities.
Its weekly reports for England show that cases remain higher than the five-year national average – peaking at almost double in the last quarter of 2025.
A spokesperson for Camborne Science and International Academy said: “We are aware of two isolated cases of scabies at the school. We have informed Public Health England, who have advised that they are not concerned as there is no indication of a wider issue within the school.
“As a precaution, information has been shared with staff and will also be sent to parents to ensure everyone is aware of the symptoms and can remain vigilant. We continue to follow all recommended guidance to support our students and families.”
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: “Though uncomfortable scabies is not a notifiable infection so we will not be made aware of all cases, though we are on hand alongside local authority public health colleagues to provide schools with advice who’d they need such.”
The school said the two pupils affected have since recovered and are back at school, adding that there has not been any new outbreak at the school or any of the schools in the Athena Learning Trust.
The spokesperson added: “Messaging for staff and parents has been developed in line with guidance from Public Health England (PHE) to ensure everyone is aware of the symptoms and can remain vigilant.
“The guidance covers hygiene measures, symptom recognition, and what to do if anyone suspects they have been affected.
As a reminder, Public Health England have confirmed that there is no ongoing concern and no further action is required beyond the usual precautions. The school continues to follow all recommended guidance to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.”
Dr Chaam Klinger, consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, added: “Scabies is spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get scabies – it is not caused by poor hygiene.
“Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated as it is infectious, so speak to a pharmacist if you think you have it.
“If you have scabies, there are steps you can take to stop it spreading during treatment, including washing all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher on the first day of treatment and putting clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die.
“Do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies and don’t have sex or close physical contact until you have completed the full course of treatment.”
For more information on what scabies is, treatment and prevention, visit the NHS portal at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/
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