An adult was yesterday diagnosed with having the contagious skin infection scabies, bringing the total number of cases to 71, according to the health authorities.

All confirmed cases had been treated and were no longer infectious and all the people identified as being in contact were given preventive treatment, the health authorities said.

So far, 59 adults and 16 children have contracted the disease, which is caused by a mite that burrows under the skin and, although it is unpleasant, it is treatable and not life-threatening.

The first cases were detected in an old people’s home in Sa Maison two weeks ago. No new cases have been reported there since.

“There is no reason to worry because the situation is under control as the number of infected people is decreasing,” Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Department director Charmaine Gauci said.

She pointed out that surveillance by the health authorities was ongoing.

Schools with cases of scabies were investigated and parents of exposed children were addressed by public health experts and prevention treatment was given to those at risk, the health authorities said.