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Head Lice
The American Pediatric Association, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the National Association of School Nurses have adopted the position that students should not be excluded from school due to suspected head lice or due to nits only. The reason for adopting such a position is because studies have shown that head lice do not pose a health threat to the community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Contact with an already infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Head-to–head contact is common during play at school and at home (sports activities, on a playground, slumber parties, at camp).” Additionally CDC list less common ways of transmission such as: wearing clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, using infested combs, brushes, or towels, and/or from bedding, or carpeting, etc. The Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky School Board Association also support focusing on live lice cases only.
Head lice do not pose a significant health hazard and are not known to spread disease. Many times there are no symptoms, but the most common symptom is itching. At times, scratching leads to irritation and secondary bacterial infection that may require treatment with an antibiotic. There is no public health risk from a head lice infestation or exposure.
Head Lice Guidelines for Staff
Steps for Eliminating Head Lice in the Classroom
Steps for Treating the Home Environment
Head Lice Forms and Letters
- Head Lice Exposure Letter
- Head Lice - Nit only notice
- Head Lice - Lice Exclusion notice
- Healthcare Provider release statement
- Lice and/or Nits Referral Form
- Pupil Personnel Head Lice Intervention Form
- JCPS Head Lice Referral for Phone Follow-up
Bed Bugs
- For information regarding JCPS procedures for bed bugs please refer to Safety, Environmental, and Housekeeping Services website.
Helpful Links
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Date Modified 1/4/12
