Head Lice

Head lice crawl from person to person by direct head to head contact. They do not spread disease. Anyone can get them. They are more common in children as their heads frequently touch when they play together. Itching is the main complaint. 

Let parents know if a child is suspected of having head lice or if someone in the class has head lice.

When a child is found to have head lice, he or she may remain at school. There is no medical reason for excluding a child with nits or live lice from school or child care. It is essential to handle the situation sensitively and to minimize any embarrassment to the child. The principal can send the Notice to Parents About Head Lice and the Head Lice Fact Sheet to parents of children in the classroom or daycare group where lice has been identified. A full course of treatment and avoiding close head-to-head activities are recommended.

Support documents:

Your school's public health nurse can provide education, consultation and training to parents, volunteers, and school staff. Please contact your school's public health nurse or contact us for more information.

Resources and links

 Website

Description

Parenting in Ottawa
  • Information on head lice, treatment, cleaning and guidance for school or child care setting.

Canadian Paediatric Society
  • Information on head lice, treatment and guidance for school setting.

 

 

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