How are laundry lice transmitted? - briefly
Lice may transfer to a new host when infested garments are placed on an unwashed head or when laundry is not subjected to high‑temperature washing or drying. Direct head‑to‑head contact remains the primary route, while brief survival on fabrics presents a secondary risk.
How are laundry lice transmitted? - in detail
Laundry‑borne lice spread primarily through contaminated clothing and linens. When an infested garment is placed in a wash load without adequate temperature or detergent, viable nits and adult insects can survive and transfer to other items. Contact with a single piece of clothing that has not been properly decontaminated can introduce lice to a new host.
Key mechanisms of transmission include:
- Direct transfer from an infected shirt, sock, or bedding to a clean item during sorting or folding.
- Cross‑contamination in shared laundry facilities, where residual insects remain on washing machines, dryer drums, or laundry baskets.
- Re‑use of unwashed or inadequately dried garments, especially in communal settings such as shelters, dormitories, or sports teams.
Survival of lice on textiles depends on environmental conditions. Temperatures below 50 °C allow eggs to remain viable for several days, while high humidity prolongs nymph development. Detergents alone do not guarantee eradication; thermal treatment is essential.
Preventive practices consist of:
- Washing at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) with a standard detergent.
- Using a high‑heat dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes, or line‑drying in direct sunlight.
- Ironing garments on a hot setting when possible.
- Regularly disinfecting washing machines and dryer interiors with appropriate cleaners.
- Isolating and treating any clothing suspected of infestation before re‑introduction into communal laundry streams.
Implementation of these measures interrupts the life cycle of lice, reducing the risk of spread through laundering processes.