Head Lice

Head lice infestations: A persistent itchy 'pest'
Despite the availability of modern chemical insecticide treatments and community and school-based eradication programs, head lice (Pediculosis humanus capitis) remain endemic in Canada. In direct contrast to body lice, head lice are NOT responsible for the spread of any disease. Despite their medically benign nature, head lice infestations continue to cause considerable social distress. Given these concerns, this statement was developed by the Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee of the Canadian Paediatric Society to update the previous statement on head lice published in 1985
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Head lice
Head lice (Pediculosis capitis) infestation is common in the United States among children 3 to 12 years of age; approximately 6 to 12 million have infestations each year. Head lice are not a health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. The most common symptom is itching. Individuals with head lice infestation may scratch the scalp to alleviate itching, and there rarely may be secondary bacterial skin infection. Head lice are the cause of much embarrassment and misunderstanding, many unnecessary days lost from school and work, and millions of dollars spent on remedies.
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Resources for the Public

The Facts of Lice
Like everywhere else, there are head lice in Simcoe Muskoka. You may have received a letter from school, or a phone call to give you a "lice alert." You may feel angry, afraid, frustrated or itchy. Head lice cannot spread any disease and have nothing to do with being clean. But they can cause embarrassment and misunderstanding.
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The Facts of Lice
(pdf) - feel free to copy and distibute
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Ten Common Questions Asked About Head Lice
Adapted from the 2002 Position Statements of the Canadian Pediatric Society and American Academy of Paediatrics Endorsed by the Simcoe County Pediatricians and The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
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