During cold weather seasons, the possibility of pediculosis (head lice) occurring at public institutions is increased. The key to preventing spread is identifying the source, treating the condition, and minimizing exposure.

Specific standard operating procedures are recommended for students in all schools as follows:

A child is suspected of having head lice:
● Child is screened by trained school personnel.
● If a live louse or nits are detected during screening in a student, the parent will be contacted to pick up student from school and provide treatment.
● In elementary schools, the class will be notified via letter home and each classroom student screened for lice. Classmates of middle school and high school students will not be notified or routinely screened, due to large numbers of students,  frequent class changes and decreased risk for head to head contact.

Parent/Guardian of child with suspected head lice is contacted:
● Notify parent that child has been screened and results of assessment. (Example: Live louse, nits noticed)
● Inform parent/guardian that child may return to school:
○ Next day as long as treatment completed. Parent must supply written statement of treatment and empty bottle or box of lice treatment in order for student to return to
school. (Treatment can be prescription or over the counter but must be manufactured as a “lice treatment.”) School staff must take and dispose of empty box/bottle to prevent reuse of bottle if future episode occurs.
OR
○ When child’s hair is free of nits/louse if parent opts not to treat child with standard methods or the above conditions are not met.

Follow Up:
● Nurse or other staff designee will check students head/scalp approximately 2 weeks, then again at approximately 3 weeks after date of return.
● An additional treatment may be requested if nits are increasing in number or live louse is detected. Parent will then have to again supply a written, signed document attesting to completion of treatment and an empty box or bottle of  ediculocide (lice treatment).
● Nurse or staff designee will document log of parent contact and inspection of student’s hair/head.
● Information on head lice is given to parent along with telephone number of county health department, if parent desires additional information.
● School personnel will notify other schools/classes where siblings attend so siblings can be checked for head lice.