Head Lice

Dear Parents,

A case of head lice has been discovered in your child’s classroom. Please check your child for head lice. If you find lice on your child, please make sure your child is treated and all lice are dead and removed before sending your child back to school. Below are some facts on head lice. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.headlice.org and www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html.


Head lice are small insects
· They live on the hair and scalp of humans where they feed on blood.

Anyone can get head lice
· You can catch head lice by coming in direct contact with an infected person's head or with personal belongings such as combs, brushes, and hats. Head lice can spread as long as lice or eggs remain alive on the infested person or clothing. Pets (dogs and cats) do not catch head lice.

Itching of the head and neck is common with head lice
· Itching may be mild to intense. Other signs to look for can sometimes include swelling of neck glands, fever, or muscle aches.

Head lice are diagnosed by the presence of adult lice or eggs (nits)
· Lice may be difficult to see, but nits (eggs) may be seen as specks "glued" to the hair shaft. Nits range in color from yellow to gray.

Head lice can be treated
· Medicated shampoos or creme rinses kill lice. Permethrin‑based drugs (such as Nix) are the treatment of choice and may be purchased over‑the‑counter. Products with lindane are strongly discouraged. Follow package directions closely. Fine‑toothed combs are available to help remove nits from the hair. Wash hats, scarves, clothing, towels and bed linen in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Tie up non‑washable items in a plastic bag for 10 days. Wash combs and brushes with a disinfectant and hot water. Manual removal (i.e., with a fine-toothed comb) combined with medicated treatments are the best option whenever possible.

Spraying classrooms or homes with insecticides is not recommended
· Floors, rugs, pillows, and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed. The lice die
when they are away from the warmth of a human body for more than 48 hours.

Infestations can be prevented
· Avoid physical contact with a person who has lice
· Do not share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, ribbons, or other personal items
· Household members and close contacts of a person with head lice should be
examined and treated if they are infested
· Exclude children with head lice from school or daycare until the morning after treatment