Head Lice in Schools Information

Head Lice in Schools The School Health Bureau makes every effort to incorporate up to date information and evidence-based practices into our recommendations. After reviewing the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses, our policy for head lice has been updated to reflect current recommendations and best practices for management of head lice in schools.

• All three of the above organizations are in agreement that:
• Head lice are common and are not associated with any significant health conditions
• No healthy child should be excluded from or miss school because of head lice
• In-school transmission is rare
• No student should be stigmatized because he/she has head lice
• The presence of head lice is not an indication of poor hygiene
• Head lice mass screening programs have not had a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in the school setting over time and have not proven to be cost-effective

As a result, the new School Health Program recommendations/practices are:

• Children found with live head lice and/or nits may remain in school.
  • A student with suspected head lice may be referred to the clinic for examination. The student will be sent back to the classroom with a note to the teacher regarding the results of the examination. Even if lice or nits are found, School Health recommends that the child remain in the classroom for the rest of the day and not be stigmatized or embarrassed in front of their classmates. If lice or nits are found clinic staff will contact the parent to provide information and guidance regarding best treatment and prevention methods. The parent will be responsible to treat the student after school.
• The clinic will not screen classrooms or groups for lice.
  • A second student with symptoms of head lice can be referred to the clinic if additional cases are suspected. If that second child is also confirmed to have live head lice within 4 weeks from the previous case, School Health will send a letter to all parents in that class notifying them and recommending examination and treatment (if needed) by them or their primary care provider. No additional students need be examined in the clinic.
• Children who fail standard treatment should be referred to their primary care provider

Facts about Head Lice:

• Head lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of a person who has lice. Anyone who comes into head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk.
• Sharing of personal clothing such as hats, scarves, and coats, or other personal items such as combs, brushes, and towels should be discouraged as these can transmit head lice as well.
• Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.

Resources:

School Health Resources for Parents

National Association of School Nurses Position Statement

American Academy of Pediatrics Revised Clinical Report

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention