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What Parents/Guardians Need to Know About Head Lice |
Any time head-to-head contact occurs, head lice can be spread if one of the persons has head lice. It is easier to manage and resolve head lice if they are found early. Occasional checks of your child's hair, even if you are not noticing symptoms are recommended. Remember, never treat a child with a head lice killing product unless it is clear that head lice are present. Head lice are found all over the world. Head lice is most common among young children and the household members of children with lice. It is estimated that 6 to 12 million children get head lice each year in the United States. Head lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of a person with head lice. Cleanliness of people, home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. |
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What happens if a child is found to have head lice at school? |
If a child in the District is found to have lice, the child's parent will be contacted to have the child treated and to pick him/her up immediately. After treatment and upon returning to school, the child will be examined by the district nurse. The District practices a policy of "no live lice" as a criteria for return to school. The school nurse will screen close school playmates, locker partners and siblings. If you find head lice on your child at home, please let your school nurse know so that close school playmates and locker partners can be checked. |
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What can you do to prevent head lice? |
Although nothing can ensure that your child will not be exposed to head lice, there are a few things that may reduce your child's chances of getting head lice:
- Your child should avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, or camp).
- Your child should not share items such as hats, scarves, coats, hair ribbons, combs, brushes, or towels.
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