- Akron Central Schools
- Head Lice
Health Office
Page Navigation
-
LICE PROTOCOL AND PROCEDURE:
Akron CSD is committed to providing a healthy environment for all students and employees. ACS protocol for lice management in our schools is guided by current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Harvard School of Public Health, and the National Association for School Nurses (NASN). It is the position of these organizations that the management of Pediculosis (infestation by head lice) should not disrupt the educational process and no disease is associated with head lice.
FACTS ABOUT HEAD LICE
-
Head lice are not dangerous and do not transmit disease. They cause no medical harm and can be effectively treated. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
-
Life cycle of head lice: eggs or nits are cemented to the base of the hair shaft, eggs hatch into nymphs, and in 7 days adult lice have matured. Lice can live 30 days on an infected head. Lice will die in 1 – 2 days off the host.
-
Head lice are spread by direct contact only. They cannot jump or fly.
-
All people are susceptible to head lice.
-
Most students with head lice are symptom-free, although some may experience itching.
-
Nits visible farther than 6 mm (1/4 in) from the scalp are generally not viable and an indication of past infestation.
-
Current infestation is confirmed by inspection of the scalp and hair for the presence of nits, nymphs, or adult lice. Lice are often difficult to spot because there are few and they move quickly.
-
Families provide the most effective screening by checking their children regularly at home, using appropriate treatments, and removing nits.
-