Frequently Asked Questions

What are head lice?

Head lice are parasitic insects found on the heads of people.

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Who is at risk?

Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has head lice is at risk. Preschool and elementary-age children and their families are infested most often. Personal hygiene and cleanliness in the home or school have nothing to do with getting head lice.

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What are the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation?

Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair. Itching caused by an allergic reaction to the bites. Sores on the head caused by scratching.

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Does long hair encourage infestation?

No, since head lice are only interested in the immediate area of the scalp, cutting the hair will neither prevent nor alleviate infestation.

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Can lice jump or fly from one person to another?

Head lice have no wings, they can only crawl - so transmission comes only from direct contact with other infested people or their belongings.

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Can lice be contracted from plants, animals and pets?

No, humans are the only hosts head lice survive on. Head lice cannot live on animals, pets, or plants.

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What about family and other close contacts?

In order to reduce chances of re-infestation and to control the outbreak of head lice, it's important that anyone who's been in close contact with the infested person - whether family members, schoolmates, or friends - be informed, examined, and if necessary, treated. All infested individuals should be treated at the same time.

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