Students of the Girls High School will be engaged in classes virtually today, February 1 as the relevant authorities take necessary steps to address a flea infestation at the institution’s temporary structure at Arnos Vale. 

Reports are that some students were bitten by fleas last week and persons suspect that the situation may be as a result of stray dogs that live underneath the wooden structures that have been erected at Arnos Vale while repairs are being carried out on the original structures of both the Girls High School and St Vincent Grammar School in Richmond Hill. 

Fleas are small, flightless, bloodsucking insects that can cause severe inflammation of the skin and intense itching. They are known to feed on blood from both humans and animals. 

Citizens have taken to social media in recent days to express concern about the situation, noting the environment in which the temporary buildings are located; on lands where cows are pastured and with stray dogs occupying the surroundings. 

SEARCHLIGHT understands that both institutions have been affected by the fleas and the Public Health Department and the Ministry of Education have mobilised to deal with the problem.