What should be done about lice in children at a camp? - briefly
Immediately isolate affected campers, apply a pediatric‑approved pediculicide treatment, and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water. Educate staff and children on routine head inspections and preventive hygiene to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done about lice in children at a camp? - in detail
Head‑lice infestations among campers require immediate identification, effective treatment, and preventive measures to halt transmission.
Screening should begin on arrival and continue daily. Staff members inspect each child’s scalp, focusing on the nape, ears, and behind the shoulders. Positive findings trigger isolation of the affected child in a designated area until treatment is completed.
Treatment protocols include two complementary actions:
- Apply a pediculicide approved for children (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) according to manufacturer instructions; repeat after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
- Perform a thorough nit combing with a fine‑toothed metal comb; repeat combing every two days for two weeks.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours.
- Vacuum sleeping areas, upholstery, and carpeted surfaces; discard vacuum bags afterward.
Education of campers and staff reinforces compliance:
- Conduct short instructional sessions on avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items.
- Display visual guides illustrating proper combing technique and signs of infestation.
- Require staff to document each treatment and report any new cases to camp medical personnel.
Monitoring continues for four weeks after the last case. Weekly scalp examinations verify absence of live lice; any recurrence prompts repeat of the treatment cycle.
By integrating systematic screening, evidence‑based therapy, rigorous environmental sanitation, and ongoing education, a camp can effectively eradicate head‑lice outbreaks and maintain a healthy environment for all participants.