The Directorate of Education in Makkah has reported that 60 percent of students have been absent from schools in the city due to scabies scare, Al-Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday. Parents of school students are terrified of the spread of scabies in Makkah as the total number of patients has reached 3,000.

Makkah Health Affairs Director Dr. Wael Mutair said most of the patients have recovered. “I personally visited the schools of Makkah to reassure the students that the epidemic is now under control and there is nothing to worry about.

The recovered students will only be allowed back in class if they show a medical report stating that they have fully recovered indeed,” said Mutair.

He added that the schools are now equipped with sanitizers, gloves and medical masks to increase sanitization.

“A total of 108 teams were deployed in the field to distribute medical supplies and conduct regular check-ups. We are also raising awareness of the disease by giving lectures and screening videos,” said Mutair.

Teachers and school staff requested to postpone the exam dates to avoid endangering employees in high-risk categories such as pregnant women and employees with diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE