--- title: 'Health Message' url: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/health-message' markdown: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/health-message.md' date: '2026-08-04' description: 'Health Message from GBHS Nursing Team We are aware of an increase in reported cases of scabies across parts of the North Island, including Auckland, and wanted to share some information to help families recognise the signs and know what to do if someone develops scabies. What is scabies? Scabies is…' --- Health Message Scabies ![unwell](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/3/8/e/3/f/38e3fb7eaebd43c5ebc79f6f3ebae468afb6bd78-unwell.jpg "unwell") # Health Message Tuesday, 4th August 2026 at 10:50am #### Health Message from GBHS Nursing Team We are aware of an increase in reported cases of scabies across parts of the North Island, including Auckland, and wanted to share some information to help families recognise the signs and know what to do if someone develops scabies. **What is scabies?**Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to tiny mites that burrow under the skin, resulting in an intensely itchy rash. #### Key facts: - It’s easily spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies, or through shared bedding or clothing. - You need to treat scabies with medication. It won’t go away on its own. You can buy this from your pharmacy or get it on prescription from your doctor or nurse prescriber. - Two separate treatments are required for each member of your household - Your child can go back to school 24 hours after the first treatment. - It can take time for the allergic reaction to develop, so people can be infected without symptoms. That is why everyone who lives in the same household as the person with scabies needs to be treated at the same time. - You’ll also need to wash all clothing and bedding in hot water after treatment. - The itch and rash may continue for a few weeks even though the mite is gone. Please refer to the following links for more information: - [Health Topics/Scabies Treatment](https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/skin/scabies) - [Scabies Fact Sheet](https://healthed.govt.nz/cdn/shop/files/3.1_NPHS0027_Scabies_Environmental_Management_Infographic.pdf?v=1035788509268970326) #### Extended Pharmacy Services Participating community pharmacies can assess and treat a range of common health conditions, including scabies, without the need to visit a GP. Scabies treatment is available for eligible children under 14 years of age, and treatment may also be provided for eligible household members to help prevent reinfection. For more information about the services available through this initiative, including eligibility criteria and participating pharmacies, please [CLICK HERE](https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/services-support/pharmacies) Navigate - [ Home ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/) - [ About Us ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us) - [ Enrolment ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/enrolment) - [ Learning ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/learning-areas) Contact Contact us: [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us)Green Bay High School 143 - 161 Godley Road, Green Bay Auckland 0643 New Zealand PO BOX 80002 | | | |---|---| | Tel | [+64 9 817 8173](tel:+6498178173) | | Absences | [Ext. 234 or press ‘1’ (one)](tel:+6498178173,234) | | Email | | | CONTACT US | [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us) | For contact details of individual staff, including Year level deans, please navigate to our [staff directory](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us/staff) Kōtuitui Community Green Bay High School is proudly part of the Kōtuitui community of learning, a learning network of 12 West Auckland schools. To learn more about the Kōtuitui community please click [HERE](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui). [![Kotuitui Community of Learning](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/user/themes/gbhs/images/kotuitui.svg)](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui) --- ## Navigation - Parent: [Term 3 2026](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026.md) - Previous: [Green Impact](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/green-impact.md) - Next: [Hip Hop Silver](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/hip-hop-silver.md)