Symptoms
Itching of the head and neck. Look for: 1) crawling lice in the hair, usually there aren’t very many; 2) eggs (nits) glued to the hair, often found behind the ears and at the back of the neck; and 3) scratch marks on the head or back of the neck at the hairline
Incubation Period: Variable; eggs hatch in 7-10 days.
School Action and Communicability
Children do not need to stay home from school but it is recommended that they be treated for head lice. They should be encouraged to avoid head-to-head contact with other children.
If you think your child has head lice, tell your childcare provider or call the school. Treat your child for head lice and check child’s head and remove nits daily. It takes at least 2 weeks to get rid of lice. If all nits within ¼ inch of the scalp are not removed, some may hatch and your child will be infested again. Check everyone in the house for head lice. Treat only household members with head lice, and treat them all at once.
Mode of Transmission
Louse transmitted primarily by direct contact with infested persons. Lice can also be transmitted through combs, brushes, bedding, wearing apparel, and upholstered furniture.