Head Lice
Head Lice in School
If your student is found to have live Head Lice or nits while in school, it is not required that they be dismissed. However, dismissal may be recommended if itching or discomfort is interrupting a students ability to participate. It is strongly recommended that they not return to school until after initial treatment.
Per the recommendation of the American Association of Pediatrics and the CDC, when a single case of Head Lice is identified in a classroom, schools will not automatically complete whole classroom screenings or send notifications home to other families. However, if an outbreak is suspected, our Health Services staff may perform full classroom head checks and/or send a notification to families.
It is always recommend that you check your child's scalp at home if they are displaying signs or symptoms of head lice.
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What are head lice?
Head lice are small, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed. They live on the human scalp and in the hair. They are a parasite which means they live by feeding off the blood from the human scalp. They cannot stay alive more than two days off the human body. They do not spread disease and, thus, are not considered a major health problem.
Nits are the small, oval shaped eggs of head lice.
Who gets head lice?
Lice are a common problem for children and adolescents, more so than adults, due to the close physical contact and sharing of personal items that often occur with peers in these age groups. Lice are spread by direct head to head contact or direct contact with infected items such as combs, hats and bedding. Although head lice move quickly, they do not fly or hop to another person. Head lice are not caused by poor hygiene. Anyone can get head lice.
What is the treatment for head lice?
An over the counter medication is generally recommended, you may also contact your provider to receive a prescription which may help cover the cost. Follow the directions carefully. Lice are usually killed in one treatment. However, a second treatment is recommended in 7‐10 days to make sure all of the nits are killed. Dead nits do not fall off the hair after treatment. They need to be removed with a “nit comb” or picked out with fingernails. This takes time, patience and multiple attempts to remove all nits.
What other treatment is necessary?
Remember to check all other family members for lice and nits.
Wash all clothes, hats, towels, washcloths and bedding that has been recently used in very hot water for at least 20 minutes and then dry in a hot dryer.
Items that cannot be washed can be bagged in plastic and put away for 10 days or tumbled in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. In freezing weather (≥ 32℉) items can be put outside for 72 hours to kill lice and nits.
Soak all combs, brushes and hair accessories in very hot sudsy water with bleach (1/4 cup bleach to 1/2 gallon water) for at least 10 minutes.
Thoroughly vacuum all furniture, carpets, floors and car seats.
To discuss treatment, contact your primary care provider. For more general information, contact your school health office or go to the Vermont Department of Health or CDC website.