Please see below for this important message from Kootuitui ki Papakura:
New Zealand is experiencing significant, ongoing scabies outbreaks, warning that untreated infestations link directly to severe conditions like acute rheumatic fever. High case numbers persist in Whanganui, Northland, and parts of Auckland, impacting schools, childcare centres, and rest homes.
Kaua e whakamā. There’s no shame in this. Not at all.
Scabies is not about cleanliness. Anyone can get it from skin-to- skin contact. Tiny mites burrow under your skin and cause intenseitching, usually worse at night.
You’re not dirty. Your whānau isn’t dirty. Scabies doesn’t care about hygiene. It’s a common contagious rash that spreads through direct contact. That’s all.
Why it matters? If one person has it, everyone in the household and close contacts need treatment at the same time, even if they have no symptoms yet. This is the only way to stop it.
What whānau need to do?
Treat everyone together. Wash all bedding, clothes, and towels in
hot water (above 50°C) on treatment day. Items you can’t wash go into a sealed plastic bag for 3 to 7 days.
For more information visit: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/s/scabies
