Pediculosis (Headlice)

These school guidelines serve to outline the roles and responsibilities of the School District of Lee County in community efforts to control head lice (pediculosis). 

Head lice rarely (if ever) cause direct harm, and they are not known to transmit infectious disease from person to person. Lice infestations are not a medical problem or a disease. Lice, at times, are a burden and a nuisance because their presence may cause itching and irritation.

Head lice are usually transmitted by direct contact with an infested person's hair but may be transferred with shared combs, hats, or hair accessories. It is the protocol of the School District of Lee County to control the spread of pediculosis among school-age children with minimal interruption of the learning process. Screening for pediculosis is necessary only when an infestation of live lice or nits is identified on an individual student.

Procedure

  1. When there is suspicion of infestation on an individual student, he/she should be sent to the Clinic for a head check.  Parental consent is required for Health Services. 
  2. If live lice or nits are found, the child's parents will be notified. The child is not to return to school until the hair is treated and all nits are removed.
  3. A screening of the class can be done by designated clinic staff.
  4. Upon returning to school, the student should go directly to the clinic to be rescreened. The student will not be allowed to return to the classroom until all live lice and nits have been removed from the hair.
  5. An initial treatment with a pediculicide followed by mechanical removal of all nits is the most effective treatment.