Head Lice at School

Tens of millions of school-age children get head lice every year worldwide. While head lice can be a nuisance, they do not cause disease and they are not a sign of poor hygiene or uncleanliness. Head lice, commonly known as pediculosis, is spread through close person-to-person contact. They cannot fly, jump or hop, but they do crawl. For school-age children, the highest probability of contracting head lice comes from sharing personal belongings like brushes, combs, helmets and hats.

To assist us in the prevention of head lice, please speak with your child about not sharing personal items that touch the head, such as combs or hats, and also make a habit of checking your child/ren's hair weekly and when your child may have been exposed. If head lice or nits are found, please treat immediately and inform the school office. When the child that has been treated for head lice returns to school, his or her head should be checked by the school nurse or health representative to insure that it is free of lice and nits. For more information on the MPCSD head lice policy, use the following link: MPCSD Head Lice Policy here.  Lianne Jemelian, RN  MPCSD District Nurse