Scabies Outbreak at Atatürk Primary School in Nicosia

A scabies outbreak has been reported at Atatürk Primary School in Nicosia, affecting at least 15 students and one teacher. Authorities warn of a risk of further spread.

According to local media, the first cases were detected last Friday. The infected students were sent home, and disinfection efforts are underway. Classrooms are being sprayed with pesticides, while desks, chairs, doors, and door handles have been sanitized with bleach.

The Department of Primary Education, the Ministry of National Education, and the Ministry of Health have all stepped in, implementing necessary measures to contain the outbreak.

The Department of Primary Education immediately supplied the school with cleaning materials, and classrooms were disinfected following guidelines from the Primary Healthcare Department. Some classrooms have also been temporarily closed as a precaution.

“The school administration informed students during Friday’s national anthem ceremony that anyone showing symptoms on Monday would be sent home and not allowed to return without a doctor’s note,” the statement read.

On Monday, 15 more students were sent home due to suspected cases of scabies.

To limit the spread, student interactions in the schoolyard have been minimized, and common areas are being regularly cleaned and disinfected.