Pediculosis (head lice) rarely causes direct harm, are not known to transmit infectious disease, but are annoying, uncomfortable and socially unacceptable. They may cause itching, irritation and embarrassment.

Head lice are usually transmitted by direct contact with infested person's hair, but may be transferred with shared combs, hats or hair accessories. It is the policy of the School District of Palm Beach 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 infestation of live lice or nits are identified on an individual student or at the request of the school principal.

Procedure:

• When there is suspicion of infestation on an individual student, he/she should be sent to the Clinic for inspection.
• If live lice or nits are found, the child's parents should be notified. The child is not to return to school until the hair is treated and all nits are removed.
• Upon returning to school, the student should be go directly to the clinic to be reinspected. He/she will not be allowed to return to the classroom until all live lice and nits have been removed from the hair.
• Children should not be over treated with pediculicides. An initial treatment with a pediculicide followed by mechanical removal of all nits is the most effective treatment.