Head Lice

Itchy scalp, small white eggs (nits) that are found attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp, commonly found behind the ears and the nape of neck.
Lice spread by crawling from one person to the next or by sharing contaminated items. Lice can spread anytime live lice are present. It usually takes 7-10 days for the eggs to hatch and the louse can begin to reproduce (lay eggs) two weeks after hatching.
  • Do not share combs, brushes, hats, etc.
  • Avoid head to head contact.
  • Ensure all house hold members are checked regularly until lice are gone. Inform others if the child has stayed overnight or been a close contact to check for lice for at least two weeks after the exposure has occurred.
  • Retreat in 7 to 10 days from initial treatment.
    • No exclusion from school is necessary.
    Head lice do not cause disease. Household members and contacts should be examined and treated if they also have lice.

    Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

    We have been advised of a suspected case(s) of head lice in our classroom/school. While head lice are a nuisance, they are not a disease and are a common childhood condition. Exclusion from school is not required.

    Parent/guardians are asked to watch their child for signs of head lice, which includes an itchy scalp, small white eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp, commonly found behind the ears and at the nape of neck. If detected, it is important that all household members be checked for the presence of lice and treated if they have it. Anyone with head lice should be treated right away and then retreated in 7 to 10 days.

    If you suspect your child may have head lice, please contact a health care provider for treatment if required or 811 for advice. Review the Public Health Pamphlet at: https://www.novascotia.ca/dhw/publications/public-health-education/07135-head-lice-pamphlet-en.pdf  for more information.