Outbreaks of head lice are common among children in schools and day care, affecting all social and economic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current evidence does not support classroom or school-wide screening for head lice to reduce the number of head lice infestations among school children. Excluding children from school because of head lice is not recommended. Students diagnosed with live head lice should be treated and then be allowed to return to class. “No-nits” policies that require a student to be free of nits before they can return to school are not recommended.
To provide information about head lice to parents and school staff members, Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Health Department have developed the following information:
Lorraine Trouton, Manager
School Health Services
October 21, 2014