Scabies

The student community is losing the war on parasitic mites, with a substantial number of young people caught up in a “revolving door” of scabies.

Martin said they saw one or two cases of the disease over an 18-month period, and it was important for anyone with symptoms – ranging from a headache, fever, joint and muscle pains and sleepiness – to contact a doctor. “It doesn’t mean people are dirty,” she said. Items like shoes could be put in the freezer overnight. It’s kind of funny how scared people are of it when everyone gets chlamydia in Dunedin.” Construction is booming with Dunedin's hospital rebuild and CBD upgrade. Tourism, migrant workers and international students are returning. “It’s been a big struggle. “I guess it’s embarrassing because it’s literal bugs, creepy crawlies all over your skin. She said the flat was oblivious to scabies until the University of Otago emailed students in June. She said the most frustrating part was not being able to go to parties or into town and “have a hook-up”, which would be “irresponsible”. “It’s way, way worse than having an STD. Students in Dunedin are losing the war on parasitic mites, with a substantial number of young people caught up in a “revolving door” of scabies.