Identification:
Head lice are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and neck hairs of their human hosts. They are 2-3 mm. long (the size of a sesame seed) and are usually tan or gray in color. The presence of lice is most often detected through the presence of adult lice or nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft of the host, close to the scalp. They are most often seen at the nape of the neck, behind the ears, and at the crown of the head. They do not fly or jump, but crawl rapidly. According to the Center for Disease Control, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, head lice can be a nuisance, but have not been shown to spread any disease. No known health risks are associated with head lice, although most people develop itching or scalp discomfort after lice have been on the head for a period of time.
The following protocol will be followed within Goochland schools as related to lice management:
A child who is uncomfortable with symptoms of possible head lice will be checked discreetly by the school nurse or clinic personnel for the presence of lice or nits. The student’s dignity and privacy is always maintained.
If live lice are seen or there are multiple nits on the hair close to the scalp, the parent will be notified that the child should be treated with an approved OTC lice treatment shampoo or a shampoo prescribed by their physician. The actual effectiveness of many home remedies has not been documented. The school nurse will instruct parents or guardians concerning possible treatment options as well as methods of prevention. Active lice treatment must occur in order to resolve the problem.
Treatment for the student’s head lice and removal of nits may take several days, but the student may remain in the classroom during this time, once treatment has been initiated and documented, and no active adult lice remain in the hair. We support this practice to maximize the student’s instructional opportunities. Siblings and close contacts of the affected student will be screened for possible lice or nits.
Letters advising parents of the presence, treatment, and prevention of lice will be sent to the homes of classmates of affected students at the elementary level. When lice transmission occurs within a group setting, it is generally found among younger-age children with increased head –to-head contact. Indirect spread through contact with personal belongings such as combs, brushes, and hats is much less likely to occur. As an extra precaution, however, clothing items can be laundered in hot water and hair items sterilized in Lysol solution or boiling water. The major focus should be to reduce the lice on the head and lessen the risk of head to head contact. Parents can be encouraged to check their children for lice regularly, especially if the child is symptomatic. School screenings do not take the place of these more careful parental checks.
Upon return to school, the school nurse will check affected students for any remaining lice or nits and will advise the parents if further treatment is needed.
Lice can be inconvenient, time consuming, and expensive to treat, but it is not a public health risk.
For more information on this topic , you may want to consult:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
National Association of School Nurses
American Academy of Pediatrics