If a confirmed case of head lice has been found in a student, the District notifies parents of students who may have been exposed so that they are aware and can review the necessary warning signs.
Head lice have not been shown to carry any disease. It is not a sign of poor health habits or of being dirty, but when it occurs, it should not be ignored.
Prevention
Head lice can spread easily from person to person by coming in contact with an infected person or by the transferring of combs, brushes, clothing, etc. Because head lice spreads so rapidly, it is important to find and identify it quickly. Head lice should be suspected if there is intense itching and scratching of the scalp and back of the neck.
If lice are present, you will see small whitish eggs, or “nits”, firmly attached to the hair shaft, especially at the nape of the neck and above the ears. Although the eggs may resemble dandruff, dandruff can be easily removed from the hair while the nits cannot.
If you detect any eggs or lice, contact your physician or school nurse. There are many over-the-counter medicated shampoos available.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends the following prevention methods:
- Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
- Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or barrettes. Do not share combs, brushes, or towels.
- Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person.
- Click here for more on prevention from the CDC
What can I do if my child has lice?
If your child has contracted lice, the resources below may be helpful to you. Again, please note that the treatment should be completed and the child must be checked by the school nurse before returning to class.
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Disinfect combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5–10 minutes.
- Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment using the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
- Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
- After treatment, checking the hair and combing with a nit comb to remove nits and lice every 2–3 days may decrease the chance of self–reinfestation. Continue to check for 2–3 weeks to be sure all lice and nits are gone.
The links below may also provide additional guidance.