There have been 20 confirmed cases of scabies according to a statement released by the university just two days before campus closed for Thanksgiving break.

The statement reads: “Early last week [Nov. 14-18], the university Health & Counseling Center confirmed several cases of students infected by scabies. We are aware there is significant misinformation and confusion about the current severity of the situation.”

The university noted the nature of the skin infestation, directing students to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

The skin infestation, which causes a rash and intense itching, is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei and spread through close skin-to-skin contact. It is uncommon for this disease to be transmitted by indirect contact.

“It is not necessary to close buildings or classrooms, or to alter university business in any way,” according to the statement. “All identified students have received treatment and have been working cooperatively with the Health & Counseling Center and Facilities to inform other students who may have been exposed.”

Despite university suggestions to conduct business and class as usual, several classes in the Arts Building and Trustee Hall were canceled or rescheduled Nov. 21.

In an Nov. 21 email leaked to Hilltop Views, School of Humanities Mac Lab Coordinator Nick Enghardt says Trustee 108 would be closed for 48 hours.

“Facilities needs to deep-clean the areas,” according to Enghardt in the email. Hilltop Views reached out to Enghardt for more information. He declined to comment.

Trustee 108 is not closed due to scabies, said Director of Communications Mischelle Diaz said. However, Diaz said she did not know what the cause is for the closure, but called the rumor “absolutely false.”

Buildings are being cleaned out of an “abundance of caution,” Diaz said. She says Facilities are targeting specific areas where infected students reported they commonly go, including residence halls.

Hilltop Views went to Student Life to ask more about the cleaning, after several students reported that the office was closed Nov. 21. Student Life was not closed, but was nearly completely empty. Three people were in their offices at 3:45 p.m and cleaning was taking place.

Associate Director of Student Life Carey Mays said custodial staff were in the offices cleaning. Mays said he did not know more about the situation.

Outside the Health and Counseling Center, Hilltop Views caught up with sophomore Amanda Baker who heard about the alleged outbreak through a group chat about half an hour prior.

After Baker realized one of the buildings closed for cleaning was a place she frequents, the sophomore headed for the HCC and staff told her she “should get tested just to err on the side of caution.”

“I’m kind of scared because I don’t want to deal with this, especially right before finals.” Baker said. “Everyone is like, ‘What more can 2016 throw at us?”

If you or someone you know suspects that you have contracted scabies; please contact the Health & Counseling Center immediately, Dean of Students Stephen Pinkenburg wrote in an email to students.

If it is outside of normal business hours, please contact the nearest Urgent Care Center, he writes. The HCC is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday 8a.m. – 5p.m. Medical appointments require a $5 office fee visit.