Head Lice

Head lice (Pediculosis) infestations are common and can be found in all schools.

Our school follows the Administrative Protocol as set forward by the Black Gold School Division:

Appendix – HEALTH INFORMATION: PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE):

What are head lice? Head lice are small greyish insects the size of a sesame seed that can live on a person’s head. They do not jump or fly, but they move quickly. Lice lay tiny grey-white eggs (nits) that stick to hair very close to the scalp. An adult louse can live for one to two (1 to 2) days away from the head.

How are head lice spread? Lice are spread through head to head contact with someone who has lice or by sharing personal items such as hairbrushes or hats. Anyone can get lice. Lice are not a sign of being ‘unclean’ or having poor hygiene. Lice are very common in daycares and schools. Head lice may be annoying or embarrassing, but do not harm your health.

What are the symptoms of head lice?

1. Symptoms of lice may include:

1.1 Constant itching of the head ¹

1.2 Red marks on the scalp

2. Nits (1mm long) can be seen firmly attached to hair (don’t confuse with dandruff, which is easily brushed off). Lice are hard to see.

How are head lice prevented?

1. Teach your child not to share combs, hats, headgear, etc.

2. Check your child’s head every week. Look carefully for nits or lice around the temples, behind the ears and at the back of the neck

3. If you think your child may have lice, but are unsure, contact a health care professional 4. Treat lice as quickly as possible and take time to remove nits after treatment

5. Discretely tell all possible contacts (e.g. schoolmates, daycare workers) so they can be checked or treated 6. All family members should check their hair, but treat only those who actually have lice After an outbreak of lice, soak combs and brushes for one (1) hour in hot water. Bedding, hats, toys, etc. are to be washed in hot water and dried on a hot dry cycle, dry cleaned, or sealed in plastic bags for two (2) weeks. Do not use fumigant sprays because they can be harmful.

How are head lice treated?

1. You can buy anti-lice shampoo or lotions at a pharmacy. Read and follow directions carefully, as products can be harmful if used incorrectly or too many times.

1.1. Apply to clean hair only. Wash hair with shampoo only (do not use conditioner or combined shampoo/conditioner) and dry well

1.2. Apply enough of the lice shampoo/lotion to soak the hair (long hair may need more than one (1) bottle)

1.3. Leave the product in for the amount of time noted on bottle (usually ten (10) minutes) – not longer

1.4. Do not use conditioner or shampoo for two (2) days after treatment 2. Remove nits from hair with a fine-tooth comb or by pulling them out with your fingernails. Put the nits in a bag and throw it out. It may take several days to remove all the nits. A child can return to school/daycare after the lice are treated with anti-lice shampoo/lotion.

Reference: Section 18, 20, 45, 60, 61, 113 School Act Public Health Act

PEDICULOSIS (LICE)

Background:

The Division recognizes the concern represented by the transmission of pediculosis in schools and therefore encourages close communication between school staff, parents and public health nurses regarding the detection and resolution of instances of pediculosis. Care will be taken to protect the individual from undue invasion of privacy.

Procedures:

School staff will work with public health authorities and School Councils to describe and then communicate to parents both preventative and remedial procedures for dealing with instances of pediculosis. Refer to Appendix for additional information as a reference only.

1. Students will not be permitted to return to school until they have undergone a recommended course of treatment.

1.1 Students with head lice will be checked upon their return.

1.2 Should live lice be found during this check, the student will not be allowed to return to school.

2. If there are ongoing concerns about particular cases not responding or being compliant with therapy, then the Principal or designate will inform the Public Health Authority of these concerns.

Reference: Section 18, 20, 45, 60, 61, 113 School Act Public Health Act