Head Lice and Nits:

The Ministry of Health advise that a child with live lice should stay away from kura or school until treatment has started. (MOH Head lice)

Conditions and Treatment - Head Lice

Preventing head lice

Avoid head to head contact.
Don't share brushes, combs, hats and other items that come into contact with hair.
Discourage children from playing with each others' hair.
Tie long hair back or plait it.
Brush hair regularly.
Check the hair of everyone in the family at least once a week.
Take action if a child is scratching unusually - check their head carefully.

What else can help?

Extra precautions may include washing all bed linen and certainly pillowcases and towels in hot water (at least 60 degrees centigrade) and tumble drying for 20 minutes on high. Other items that have come in contact with heads should also be thoroughly cleaned. Soak hairbrushes and combs in hot water for at least ten minutes. Vacuuming carpets and rugs may also be helpful, if only to ensure that dead nits and lice are collected and not left to reappear on the heads or clothing of people in the household.