Head Lice Prevention: What Parents Should KnowTwin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) As kids head back to school each fall, the number of head lice cases spike. So, it should be no surprise that September is national Head Lice Prevention Month. Head lice is most common among preschool and elementary school kids and their families. "They are parasitic type organisms that like the human head, the body temperature is just right for that, and they live off of our blood," said Mary Belle Anderson, Nurse, South Central Public Health District in Jerome. Lice can live for several weeks on a person, but usually die within two days of being removed. A female louse lays about four eggs a day, close to eighty in a lifetime. And anyone can have an infestation. "There is no socioeconomic division in who's going to get head lice. If you're around it, you can get it," said More than fifteen million cases of head lice occur each year in the "It's not too many maybe five to ten. Sometimes there are siblings so we make sure to check the siblings and the classrooms that those kids are in as well,” said Melissa Ardito, Vice Principal, There's no product on the market to prevent the spread of head lice, so talking with your kids is the key. And, catching an infestation as soon as possible. "Well, one of the things that we like to encourage parents to do is just to have a weekly inspection," said If you're child does get lice, there are plenty of over–the–counter products available. "You give your kids a shampoo, you have to get the nits out. Nothing on the market will kill all the nits, which are eggs. So, you need to take a nit comb and comb out that hair," said The whole process will take at least three weeks to clear up. The As a reminder, if you get a notice sent home about head lice the district encourages parents to check their children periodically. Click on the link below for more information on head lice. Comments ( |
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