15 Sep 2023

Scabies becoming entrenched in Dunedin - Doctor

From Nine To Noon, 9:20 am on 15 September 2023
Illustration of a scabies mite on human skin.

Illustration of a scabies mite on human skin. Photo: AFP / Science Photo Library

Doctors in Dunedin say cases of scabies are growing and becoming entrenched among the student population.  

Scabies are tiny parisitic mites that burrow under the skin and are spread through skin to skin contact as well as shared clothing and linen. They causes itching and rashes.

Kathryn speaks with one Otago student whose 10 person flat is struggling to get on top of an outbreak, and Dr Bret Dougherty, Clinical Group Leader at Otago Student Health.