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Head Lice Education

Although head lice are a nuisance, they are not known to spread diseases. Adult head lice are roughly 2-3 mm long. Head lice infest the head and neck and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. Lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Head lice infestation, or pediculosis, is spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of head lice infestations.

Image: Two lice viewed under an electron microscope. Note the claws used to grasp onto individual hairs. Credit: CDC

 

 

Resources

Steps for Treating Head Lice
ZMCHD Guidelines for Treating Head Lice
Removing Head Lice Safely Video
Head Lice 101
Facing Head Lice: A Guide for Families