Lice in a classroom — what to do? - briefly
If an infestation is identified, remove the affected pupils, administer approved treatment, launder clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C, notify families, and conduct a classroom-wide screening and preventive education program.
Lice in a classroom — what to do? - in detail
Head lice outbreaks in a classroom require immediate, coordinated action to protect students and limit spread. The following protocol outlines essential measures for teachers, school health staff, and parents.
First, confirm the presence of lice. Conduct a visual inspection of affected children, using a fine-toothed comb on damp hair under bright light. Identify live insects and viable nits attached within 1 cm of the scalp. Record the number of cases and notify the school administration promptly.
Second, isolate the identified students for treatment. Provide each child with a prescription or over‑the‑counter pediculicide approved by health authorities. Instruct families to apply the product according to label directions, repeat the treatment after 7–10 days, and wash all personal items (hats, scarves, hair accessories) in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
Third, implement classroom‑wide preventive steps:
- Instruct all students to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play and group activities.
- Prohibit the sharing of combs, brushes, hair clips, helmets, and headphones.
- Schedule a brief “no‑head‑touch” reminder at the start of each day.
- Clean shared surfaces (desks, chairs, coat hooks) with a disinfectant that does not harm fabrics.
Fourth, manage contaminated materials. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in water ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) or dry‑clean them. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours, a period sufficient to kill lice.
Fifth, monitor the situation for at least four weeks. Conduct weekly spot checks of all students, record any new infestations, and adjust the response plan if cases rise. Communicate findings to parents through a concise notice that outlines required actions and resources available at the school nurse’s office.
Finally, document the entire response. Maintain a log of affected individuals, treatment dates, and follow‑up results. Review the incident after resolution to identify gaps in policy and improve future readiness.
By following this systematic approach, schools can quickly contain head‑lice incidents, minimize disruption to learning, and protect the health of the student body.