College confirms outbreak of Victorian-era disease as parents warned 'it needs to be treated'

Experts say transmission of the parasitic infection from person to person occurs through close physical contact, even sexual contact Scabies can cause an itchy red rash on the skin (Image: Alamy/PA)

A college in the South West of England has confirmed the outbreak of a nasty Victorian-era disease. Staff at South Devon College in Paignton, Devon, have alerted parents and carers that a number of students have caught scabies.

The grim condition is caused by a mite which burrows into the skin, causing intense itching due to an allergic reaction to the parasite and it's waste products. According to the college, seven students have been diagnosed by a medical professional as email alerts have been put out.

The college told Devon Live : "We have been notified of seven confirmed cas