Lice Protocol

NOTEBOOK

The campus nurse will keep a notebook to track student’s with live lice. A student can only be excluded for live lice. The student must be checked for live lice before being admitted back to class. In 7-10 days reexamine the student for live lice.

TRANSMISSION

The process of transferring lice from one individual to another generally occurs from prolonged and direct head-to-head contact. Transmission of lice is more likely to occur in the home setting versus the school setting. Lice do not jump or fly. They do not live off of a human host for more than 24 hours.

SCREENING

Mass screenings are disruptive to student and teacher class time and takes away from the nurse’s ability to address the needs of the more physically or mentally disabled students. RRISD will not conduct mass screenings. Mass screenings increase the potential for lice phobia and unnecessary use of lice medication that can cause resistance. It is the parent’s responsibility to check their student's head on a routine basis. If the teacher notices excessive head scratching the student can be sent to the clinic for a check. A parent may call and request a head check for their student; however, parents may not call and request a head check for another student . A STUDENT’S LICE ISSUE MAY NOT BE DISCUSSED WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN A CUSTODIAL PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

NOTIFICATION LETTERS

Classroom or school-wide notifications may only increase public alarm and bring undue attention to the student with lice. To prevent unnecessary abuse of lice medication the CDC and AAP recommends that only the parents of children with live lice be notified. However, it is RRISD protocol that a letter will be sent home if someone in a classroom has live lice.

EXCLUSION

There is little evidence that exclusion from school reduces the transmission of lice. NO OTHER MINOR MEDICAL CONDITION WARRANTS SCHOOL EXCLUSION. The “no nit” policy is not in the best interest of the child, family or school. “No nit” policies have not put an end to lice infestation. The parent of any student with live lice will be notified to pick up the student and provide treatment. The student’s condition will remain confidential.

TREATMENT

It is recommended that an FDA approved, over the counter lice product be used. It is important to use a METAL lice comb to remove the nits and dead lice. Seven to ten days later the student should be treated with the same product again to ensure nits that were missed by the comb are killed after hatching. After another 10 days the nurse will reexamine the student. If live lice are found parents will be advised to contact their physician to verify treatment failure and receive a prescription product.

CONTROLLING THE HOME ENVIRONMENT

Excessive cleaning is not recommended, as lice cannot live off of a human host for more than 24 hours. It is recommended that all recently used clothes, towels and bedding material be washed in the hottest water and dried on the highest setting. Stuffed animals do not have to be placed in plastic bags for several weeks. If the child sleeps with a stuffed animal or blanket it will need to be washed in the hottest water and dried on the highest setting. All of the child’s combs, hairbrushes and hair accessories should be cleaned in at least 130 degree F soapy water. These items should not be shared. Spraying of furniture, rugs, carpets and pets with a lice insecticide is not recommended. If one member of the family is infested then all members need to be checked. If lice are found they need to follow the treatment guidelines.