Scabies reported at West Seattle school

SEATTLE -- Parents of students at Madison Middle School in West Seattle received a letter Wednesday afternoon warning them a scabies case was reported at the school.

One student reportedly suffered from scabies, the small blister-like rash which may become infected from scratching. Scabies -- colloquially known as the 7-year-itch-- is sometimes transmitted by touching, and can outbreak in close communities such as school.

South Kitsap High School in Kitasp County sent a letter home to parents warning of a scabies outbreak in 2013.

The letter encouraged parents to check their own children for the mite.

Read the full text of the school's letter here:

"Dear Parent or Guardian,

"This letter is to inform you that we have had one isolated case of scabies at school.

"Scabies, sometimes called the "Seven-Year-Itch," is not serious but does spread easily among children and causes severe itching. It does not indicate poor hygiene.

"Scabies is caused by the burrowing itch mite. It causes severe itching, especially at night, and a small blister-like rash which may become infected from scratching. The rash commonly occurs in the webs between fingers, on wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, buttocks, genitalia, and knees. It is transmitted by touching someone with scabies,or less commonly by using their bedding or clothing.

"Scabies is treated with a special prescription medicated lotion. Clothing and bedding are washed in hot water and other objects vacuumed.

"Please check your child for any spots that cause itching. If your child has itching spots that spread, have him or her checked by your health care provider."