Student health notice - Head Lice

Updated April 20, 2007

There has been a change in the procedure for dealing with head lice cases at school from what is currently written in the elementary school handbook. After months of researching recommended practice of care for head lice management in schools, Issaquah School Nurses have recently revised our school district procedure. The new procedure is based on recommended guidelines by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of School Nurses and the Harvard School of Public Health as well as the current standard of practice in neighboring school districts.

An elementary student returning to school after head lice treatment must be accompanied by an adult who will remain at school until the student has been checked. The school nurse or trained school staff will determine if the student can be admitted back to the classroom. The student will be excluded from school if parents have not completed treatment and/or live lice are present. A head lice notification letter will be sent home to parents of students in the classroom.

Secondary students must have been treated by parents and cleared through the health room (no live lice) before returning to class.

Head lice are small parasitic insects that live by biting the host which can cause an itchy scalp. The female louse lays eggs (nits) which are tiny, smooth, and oval in shape. They range in color from white to yellowish-white to dark-brown; they are glued firmly at an angle to the side of the hair shaft. Nits are more likely to be found in warmer areas of the head like the nape of the neck, around the ears and under the bangs area.

When inspecting your child for head lice, part the hair into sections. Make sure the room is well-lit. The nits stick to the hair shaft and must be pulled off with a fingernail to remove (or a lice comb can be used). That is one way to tell the difference between a nit and a dandruff flake. Dandruff can be easily flicked with your finger. Nits cannot be flicked or washed away. See the appropriate link below for pictures of lice. Although head lice are a nuisance, head lice do not spread disease.

If there is a case in your child's elementary school classroom, your child will bring home a parent notification letter.

Parents can help control the spread of lice in children by:

Checking their child's hair routinely for signs of head lice.
Informing the school office if their child gets head lice.
Informing family and friends so they can check their children.
Treating their child and follow "Lice Aren't Nice" pamphlet instructions (available in the school office) to control transmission in the home.
Examining all household members and treat anyone infested.
Disinfecting clothing and bedding by machine washing and drying using the hot cycle.
Soaking brushes, combs and hair clips in hot water above 120 degrees for 10 minutes.
Vacuuming all rugs, carpet, furniture, car, car seats and stroller. Discard the vacuum bag. If using a bagless vacuum, securely bag vacuum contents immediately after vacuuming.
Avoiding the use of environmental sprays (due to toxicity).
Calling the school nurse and/or your Health Care Provider for information, resources and questions.
Removing all lice and nits (head lice eggs) from the head. The only cure for lice is the removal of all lice and nits from the head.

Lice spread from person to person when people are in close contact or when they share clothing or personal items that have been in contact with the head or neck. Lice do not fly or jump: they crawl. Lice can infest anyone…young, old, rich, poor, clean or dirty. Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, coats, brushes, combs and pillows.

Resources:
Seattle King County Public Health head lice information
Head lice pictures
American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: Head Lice