• Head Lice--Everything You Never Wanted to Know
    Hair brushes and hats: What do they have in common?
    They are objects that lice frequently use to travel from one head to another. Lice do not fly or jump, but they do move very quickly!

    CUSD 200 does not exclude students from school because of head lice, but we do require that you treat your child if lice are found.     To read the CUSD200 Head Lice policy, click here: http://www.cusd200.org/cms/lib/IL01001538/Centricity/Domain/55/Head_Lice.pdf
    Click on this link to get the most up-to-date information from the CDC:http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/
    There is no shame in having a case of head lice as discussed in this article in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/health/21brody.html?scp=2&sq=head%20lice&st=cse
    Please read this letter from the DuPage County Health Department on this subject: DCHD's Position on Head Lice in Schools

    A little bit about Pediculosis: Head lice, is a condition that each year affects approximately 6 to 12 million children between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age, and about 1 in every 100 elementary school children. Head lice are parasites that are generally found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the back of the neck. The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, and can be the color of your child’s hair. Eggs, or nits, are smaller and silver in color.

    Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene and they do not transmit disease. Spread from one child to another can occur during direct head to head contact or by sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, caps or helmets.

    The most common symptom of head lice is itching and head scratching, particularly at night. Red bite marks or sores may also be noticed on the scalp. If you suspect that your child has head lice, he or she should be examined by your health care provider. Safe and effective products to treat head lice are available both over the counter and by doctor’s prescription. It is important to follow the directions carefully.

    It is the expectation that communication regarding lice will be two-way.Please inform the Health Office if you have discovered nits &/or lice on your student’s head.If there is a case of head lice in your student’s school, you will be notified by letter in the event that your student appears to have had direct or close contact with the lice host.

Last Modified on February 24, 2014