The Titchfield High School remains closed after cow itch infestation.

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Several classrooms were contaminated by cow itch, an itchy plant of the nettle family, forcing acting principal Richard Thompson to suspend classes for two days at prominent high school, Titchfield, in Portland.

The presence of the itchy plant material was discovered by dozens of students, who became contaminated while seated in their respective classrooms. An alarm was made, after other students and teachers also became contaminated, resulting in swollen skin and rashes.

Principal Thompson explained that five blocks were affected, which forced them to take the decision to abandon classes that day, as students were experiencing high levels of discomfort.

Dozens of students were also forced to seek medical attention after the itching became unbearable.

Principal Thompson dismissed statements that Titchfield is being plagued by troubled students, and that the cow itch incident might have been sparked by the confiscating of dozens of mobile phones from students on Wednesday.

Still not safe

Yesterday, classes were yet to resume as Thompson said it was still not safe for students to return to school.

"Students are reluctant to go into other areas for fear that they too are contaminated," said the principal.

"We can't say for sure the extent of the contamination. We expect the relevant persons to come in and assist us and to give us advice as to how best to treat it," added Thompson.

More than 1,900 students were sent home after several of them complained about the itching caused by the plant.

It is the second such incident, which has taken place at the school in recent times, as in 2006, a similar incident took place, forcing the suspension of classes.

The school currently has a student population of 1,949, and operates a single shift.

- Gareth Davis Sr.