Head Lice Issue in Jefferson County Schools

Dr. Charles Edmonds, Director of Jefferson County Schools, sent out a mass call to parents regarding pediculosis, or head lice, which are prevalent in some schools in Jefferson County. According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 6 million to 12 million cases of head lice are identified each year and most predominately in children ages 3 to 11. Head lice is mainly spread in person to person contact and, therefore, schools made a good contact ground to spread the infestation of lice, according to the CDC.

It is important to note that, to date, head lice are not believed to spread disease which makes them more a nuisance rather than a health risk. Unfortunately, many that are infested with head lice are not symptomatic until several weeks after the infestation, which makes it difficult to discover. A tickling feeling in the hair and itching associated with an allergic reaction to the bite of a louse are the most common symptoms of an infestation. Additional, according to the CDC, young children may have trouble sleeping but be unable to articulate why and there could be scabbing in the scalp from scratching. A secondary infection from scratching is considered a risk factor for head lice.

Director Edmonds stated that more than one school has been identified as having a wide spread outbreak of head lice. He said that Principals and school nurses are working to alleviate the situation and all parents have been informed of the situation. The Director requested that parents be pro active in checking their child for nits or adult lice before sending them to school. Several checks may be necessary until the lice situation is under control. Any student that has been identified as having lice will be sent home until they can show evidence of treatment and will be rechecked, per Board Policy, in seven days to insure that the lice are no longer present. Students are afforded 1 day of excused absentee per incident- up to three times annually.

The presence of head lice is not an indicator of cleanliness, as that is not a factor in infestation of head lice. Parents should encourage students to refrain from sharing hats, combs or brushes, as well as stuffed animals and pillows to ward off the spread of head lice. Should a parent need assistance with the steps to rid their child and home of head lice, information is available to assist with the process. Dr. Edmonds stated that he appreciates the parents of Jefferson County students for being pro active in assuring that this situation is quickly under control and requests that frequent checks be a part of the home routine until the head lice situation eases.