Headlice Control
Monash Council provides an education program on control of Head Lice. Nurses are available to speak to schools and parent groups, or can be contacted on 9518 3539 or 9518 3540 about the control of head lice and advise of their responsibilities in relation to preventing the spread of head lice through schools.
Information on Head Lice
Head lice are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They are either whitish-brown or reddish-brown in colour and survive only on humans. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of their personal hygiene, level of health or socio-economic position.
Head lice have been around for thousands of years and are not likely to disappear. They are commonly considered merely an inconvenience but the reality is that head lice are an epidemic in some communities. This is why children infested with head lice are required under the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations to be excluded from school, day care or creche until treatment has commenced.
Facts about Head Lice:
- Head lice do not have wings or jumping legs so they cannot fly or jump from head to head, they can only crawl.
- Head lice live on the hair shaft but stay close to the scalp to feed.
- Itching of the scalp can be a sign of head lice.
- If lice or eggs are found on the head, treatment is crucial.
- If isolated from the head, head lice die within about 24 hours.
Life Cycle of Head Lice:
Day 6-7: The louse hatches from the egg.
Day 8-17: The young louse moults three times as it increases in size. Following the third moult, the male and female mate immediately.
Day 17-19: The female lays her first egg.
Day 19-32: The female lays 3-8 eggs per day.
Day 32-35: The louse dies after having lived 32-35 days.
Reviewed: 17 November 2008
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