Town of Pound Ridge Tel.: 914-764-5511 Fax: 914-764-0102

Head Lice Information in BRIEF what are head lice?

The head louse is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease. They do not fly or jump, but they do crawl at high speed. They are not an indication of poor hygiene and should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Where are head lice most commonly found? Head lice have existed since the dawn of time. Head lice and head lice nits are found almost exclusively on the scalp. Head lice hold tightly to hair with hook-like claws at the end of each of their six legs. Head lice nits are cemented firmly to the hair shaft and can be difficult to remove even after the nymphs hatch and empty casings remain. How are head lice spread? Head-to-head contact with an already infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Head-to-head contact is common during play at school, at home, and elsewhere. Although uncommon, head lice can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings. This happens when lice crawl, or nits attached to hair that is shed and get on the shared clothing or belongings. What are the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation? ● Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair. ● Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse. ● Irritability and difficulty sleeping; head lice are most active in the dark. ● Sores on the head caused by scratching. Prevention and Control The following are steps that can be taken to help prevent and control the spread of head lice: 1. Watch for signs of head lice, such as frequent head scratching. 2. Check all family members for lice and nits at least once per week. After an active case of lice, check heads every day for 2-3 weeks after treatment. 3. Treat only those family members who do have lice. If you are pregnant, nursing or allergic to weeds, plants, etc., consult your healthcare provider before using any lice product. Never use a lice product on a baby or child under two years of age. 4. Remove all nits with a special lice comb. This is essential. 5. Have the Camp Nurse check children returning from active head lice cases every week for one month. Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact. 6. Do not share clothing, headwear, combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfest and disinfect combs and brushes. Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person.

Town House 179 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge, New York 10576-1743 Town of Pound Ridge Tel.: 914-764-5511 Fax: 914-764-0102

7. Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment. 8. Vacuum the floor and furniture where the infested person sat or lay. 9. Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. 10. When you find a case of lice, inform the Camp Nurse/Director

Town House 179 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge, New York 10576-1743