Scabies ruled out at Malden schools, Oak leaf mite suspect

Everyone has been diligently working to investigate sources of numerous bug bite type rashes.

After ruling out the likelihood of scabies, based on presentation of rashes and negative skin scrapings, investigations are pointing to the Oak leaf gall itch mite as the likely culprit.

Working with Missouri Department of Senior Services, as well as working with the University of Missouri extension partners, we have discovered the presence of these Oak leaf gall itch mites on oak tree leaves in close proximity tot he school grounds. Understanding that many are worried about these rashes/bites, we want to eliminate some of those fears and inform individuals about what we are finding.

To the best of our knowledge, these mites are of no major health risk, in that they do not transmit disease, but rather are mostly a nuisance. Scratching the bites however, could create a secondary infection, so using anti-itch creams as well as antihistamines orally should help alleviate some of the discomfort.

The oak leaf gall itch mite caused similar outbreaks in 2004 in Kansas, Southwestern Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas.

The mite feeds on the larvae of a small fly. The larvae are found in brown, crusty shells on the edge of oak leaves and are know as galls. However, the mites may drop from the trees and bite people when looking for food.

Oak leaf gall mites are so small they can float on the wind and pass through a window or door screen, as well as loosely-woven clothing.

To help prevent being bitten, wear tightly-woven clothing and take a warm, soapy shower after coming inside from areas where itch mites may be (raking leaves, gardening, playing outdoors around oak trees).

Also, wash clothes after wearing outdoors. The effectiveness of DEET insect repellents against mites is not conclusive, but you should wear insect repellent to protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes. Mites will not survive in your home because they need to feed on insect larvae. Spraying oak trees is not effective against mites and tree removal is not necessary because these mites are not likely to be a problem every year. Colder weather should see a decrease in the number of mites and further reduce the number of rashes attributable to the mites.