Head Lice: Prevention & Control

Head Lice: Prevention & Control

Head lice are primarily spread through direct head-to-head contact, though less commonly through shared clothing or belongings where lice or nits (lice eggs) may have transferred. Understanding how to prevent and control head lice is crucial in managing outbreaks effectively.

Prevention Strategies

1. Avoid Head-to-Head Contact: Encourage children to avoid head-to-head contact during play, sports activities, and social gatherings like slumber parties or camp. This reduces the risk of lice transmission.

2. Personal Item Hygiene: Discourage sharing of personal items such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair accessories (ribbons, barrettes), combs, brushes, and towels. Items used by an infested person should be disinfested by soaking in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5–10 minutes.

3. Environmental Cleaning: To prevent lice from spreading through surfaces:

• Avoid lying on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals recently used by an infested person.

• Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other washable items in hot water and high heat drying cycles. Non-washable items can be dry-cleaned or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks.

• Vacuum floors and furniture, especially where the infested person has been.

4. Avoid Over-Cleaning: While cleanliness is important, excessive housecleaning specifically to prevent lice reinfestation is unnecessary and costly.

5. Avoid Toxic Treatments: Refrain from using fumigant sprays or fogs, as they are not effective against head lice and can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Community Control Measures

To manage head lice outbreaks in communities, schools, or camps:

• Educate children about behaviors that can spread head lice, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and avoiding shared items.

• Promptly notify and involve parents and guardians when outbreaks occur, encouraging them to check and treat their children if necessary.

Conclusion

By following these preventive measures and community control strategies, you can effectively reduce the spread of head lice. Awareness and proactive action play key roles in managing and controlling head lice outbreaks in various settings.