Head Lice

Head lice affect an estimated 6-12 million students per year and often affect people with good hygiene. Some facts to know are that head lice move by crawling; they can not jump or fly. Head lice do not transmit disease, but they can spread easily. Head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-head contact.

To help prevent the spread of lice, we ask that you watch for signs of lice. Signs to watch for include:

Excessive itching of the scalp
Irritability and difficulty sleeping
Presence of small light colored nits (eggs) near the scalp or on hair strands especially behind the ears, nape of the neck and top of the scalp. Nits can look similar to dandruff, but cannot be easily removed or brushed off
Presence of active lice which appear as small gray-black bugs about 1/8" in length (the size of a sesame seed)

If you suspect your child might have head lice, it's important to talk to your physician or the school nurse to get appropriate care.

Head lice Resources
Head Lice Info Sheet

Head Lice Pamphlet

Head Lice Guidelines