This post is to follow-up on a School Reach call that was made to all families on November 29, 2011.
Additional information is available at: www.health.state.mn.us (search "head lice").
Health Office News,
Please remember that head lice are a nuisance and do not cause disease. Anyone can get head lice, and it is not a sign of poor hygiene. If your child brings home a notification indicating lice in the classroom, please take the moment to read and check your child’s head. If your child has head lice please contact the health office.
Throughout the year I encourage you to continue to be diligent in checking your child’s hair for lice. This is a crucial component in preventing the spread of lice to other family members and within the community. A delay in identification and subsequent treatment may allow the transmission of lice to others. Head lice are very small (less than 1/8” long), brownish-colored insects that live on human heads and lay their eggs (nits) close to the scalp. The eggs are white or gray and the size of an eye of a needle.
I also encourage you to take this time to have a family discussion on prevention habits. Sleepovers are a common setting in which head lice are spread. When your child returns from a sleepover, check his or her hair for signs of lice and lauder any bedding that they brought home. Remind them of the importance of not sharing hair and grooming products along with hats and head gear.
Feel free to contact the Health Office with questions.
