Scabies Cases Surge Across New Zealand’s North Island

Health clinics in the North Island are reporting a noticeable increase in scabies infections. Pukekohe Family Health Care highlighted a rise in cases in Pukekohe and Franklin, noting that many households present with multiple affected members. The clinic’s Facebook post described typical symptoms—itching that worsens at night, small red bumps or blisters, and fine grey-coloured burrows—often appearing on hands, wrists, between fingers, or around the waistline. Residents have described the condition as a “living nightmare,” with one 65-year-old, Julie, saying it is mentally draining. The spread is facilitated by close contact in schools, day-care centres, sleepovers, and the sharing of bedding or towels, making whole-house treatment essential to prevent rapid reinfection.

The New Zealand Herald

Health officials advise anyone suspecting scabies to see a general practitioner rather than waiting for the infestation to resolve on its own. Recommended measures include washing bedding, towels and clothing in hot water on the day treatment begins. Over-the-counter permethrin or A-Scabies insecticide cream is available at pharmacies, but a prescription ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate dosing. The National Public Health Service’s chief public health clinical officer, Maria Poynter, explained that scabies is not a notifiable disease, so nationwide case numbers are unavailable, yet the condition is causing “real difficulties” for affected communities. Health NZ has collaborated with Pharmac to lower the cost of permethrin and has updated HealthEd resources to aid the public in preventing reinfection.

The New Zealand Herald

Maria Poynter emphasized Health NZ’s recognition of the growing concern and outlined steps taken to improve access to treatment and education. Pukekohe Family Health Care reiterated that simultaneous treatment of all household members is crucial to stop the parasite’s rapid spread.

The New Zealand Herald

• “I’ve kind of got used to it now, but every time it happens it’s made me cry because it’s so mentally draining.” — Pukekohe Family Health Care

The New Zealand Herald