Dear Parents,
From time to time, head lice are found on a child at school. Your school staff is aware of the problem and they work to eliminate it by periodically checking students’ hair. Regulations require that students with lice be kept out of school until treated and NITS (eggs) HAVE BEEN REMOVED! Re-entry is not allowed until all the nits (eggs) have been removed. Children re-entering school must be checked by the school nurse or nurse’s assistant before returning to the classroom.
Head lice are a common problem in schools. To help you examine your children’s hair and scalp for the presence of lice and to prevent recurrence, the following information is offered:
DETECTION OF HEAD LICE
Head scratching and intense itching usually accompany the presence of head lice. The lice are tiny and vary in color from gray to black. More likely you will see eggs (nits), white oval specks tightly attached to the hair shaft about ¼ inch from the skin. These are most likely present at the nape of the neck or behind the ears.
HOW DOES A PERSON GET HEAD LICE?
Head lice do not jump or fly. They are transmitted directly from one person to another, or by contact with articles that have come in contact with an infested person (combs, brushes, hats, scarves, bedding, and upholstery). They cannot be carried by dogs, cats, or other animals.
CONTROL WHEN PRESENCE OF LICE IS DETECTED
A. Treatment can be achieved by using over-the-counter pediculocide products. Please consult with your physician. Stuffed animals, small pillows, etc. can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks to rid them of lice. Pregnant/nursing mothers should check with their physicians before treating their families.
B. Follow the directions that accompany the shampoo exactly as suggested.
The eggs (nits) stick to the shaft of the hair. Since all nits are not killed by the shampoo, they must be removed by a fine comb or pulled off the hair shaft with your fingernails.
C. Treatment with the pediculocide and household cleaning should occur on the same day.
CLEANING ALL OTHER ITEMS
A. Launder towels, bedding and clothing in HOT soapy water, and dry on HOT setting or out in the sun. Hats, scarves, etc. can be washed by hand and placed in the sun to dry.
B. Wash combs and brushes, barrettes, hair curlers, etc. with the pediculocide products or in a solution of ammonia (1 tsp. ammonia to 1 gallon HOT water).
C. Press all surfaces of mattress ridges and around buttons with a steam iron on HOT setting. Also, treat upholstered furniture that will tolerate a HOT iron.
D. Vacuum upholstered furniture, mattresses, and carpets thoroughly.
E. Non-washable pillows, hair ribbons, etc. may be put in a clothes dryer on as hot a temperature as possible for 20 to 30 minutes, or they could be tightly bagged for ten days.
Inspect your child’s hair regularly.
NOTE: Lice can live off the body and on surfaces for 2 to 3 days (e.g. carpet, mattresses, clothing, etc.), so thorough cleaning and washing is important.
Please notify the school of any infestation. All health records and information are kept confidential. By reporting an infestation to the school, you may be helping us identify a potential source in the school. You are also helping us prevent further spread.
Sincerely,
West Mifflin Area School District Health Services
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