Bugs

10/29/2012


Dear Parents,

There were several cases of head lice reported at Westerly Creek in the past few weeks. We want to make sure you are aware of what to look for and how to deal with the issue, should you detect head lice in your child’s hair.

Head lice infestation is diagnosed by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs, or adult lice. Nits are the easiest to spot. They are found ‘glued’ to the hair shaft. Unlike dandruff or hairspray, they will not slide along a strand of hair. If you find nits more than ¼ inch from the scalp, the infection is probably an old.

If you are not sure if a person has lice, the diagnosis should be made by your doctor, the local health department, or a health care provider.

Facts

• Head lice are parasitic insects that live in the hair and scalp of humans. They need human blood to survive.

• Head lice spread from person to person through direct head to head contact.

• Personal hygiene is not a factor in the transmission of lice.

• Head lice are treatable with lice-killing shampoos.

• To prevent the spread 1) avoid direct contact with the head, hair, clothing, and personal belongings of a person with head lice, and 2) Encourage proper treatment of the affected person(s) and their household.

• Teach children not to share combs, brushes, scarves, hair ribbons, helmets, headphones, hats, towels, bedding, clothing, or other personal items.

Thank you,

Monica Johnston, DPS School Nurse

Colleen Brown, Health Para
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS WESTERLY CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

8800 East Twenty-Eight Avenue Denver, CO 80238