Head lice
Head lice
Head lice are small, grayish white insects that live in hair and scalp and occur in all socioeconomic groups and in all conditions. Head lice are often found in children in elementary school and in childcare facilities. They can be spread by close personal contact with an infected individual, by sharing combs, brushes, hats, caps, or other headgear. Itching is the most common symptom, but is not often reported. A thorough examination of the scalp is needed to find them.
Information for the general public
- Fact sheet
- Hoja informativa (Spanish fact sheet)
- Controlling head lice (English) (Spanish)
- Getting rid of head lice (English) (Spanish)
- Head lice brochure (English) (Spanish)
- Head lice information for parents
- Treatment information
Information for schools/early childhood programs
- Controlling head lice in schools (English) (Spanish)
- Head lice information for schools
- Sample letter for children exposed to head lice
- Sample letter for children with head lice (English) (Spanish)