Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that can get on people's scalps. Once there, they reproduce quickly, laying eggs (nits) and causing severe itching.

Policy and research from the Harvard School of Epidemiology, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses all state there is no value to excluding children from school for nits only. Children will only be sent home if live lice are seen.

Head lice information for parents 

Prevention

• Please check your child's scalp often for nits and live lice
• Instruct family members not to share combs, brushes, hats and other personal items
• Children may come back to school after being treated for lice. Only nits that are within 1/4" from the scalp must be removed

Additional Information

• Wake County Public School System: Head lice information for parents
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Head lice - general information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Head lice information for schools
• National Association of School Nurses: Head lice management in the school setting
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Head lice - what parents need to know
• Dr. Richard Pollack, head lice expert: Information and frequently asked questions