Where do lice in people come from? - briefly
Human head lice spread mainly through direct head‑to‑head contact with an infested person. Secondary transmission occurs via personal items such as hats, combs, or bedding that contain viable eggs or nymphs.
Where do lice in people come from? - in detail
Human lice are obligate ectoparasites that survive exclusively on the human body. Two species affect people: the head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and the body‑lice (Pediculus humanus corporeus). Both require a blood meal and lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts or clothing fibers.
Transmission occurs through direct contact and shared objects.
• Head‑lice spread by head‑to‑head contact, common in schools and daycare centers.
• Sharing combs, hats, scarves, or pillows transfers insects and viable eggs.
• Body‑lice migrate from contaminated clothing or bedding; infested garments passed between individuals provide the source.
Infestations originate from other infested persons. Close‑quarter environments—family homes, dormitories, refugee camps—facilitate rapid spread. Eggs attached to hair or fabric remain viable for up to 10 days, allowing a persistent reservoir even after the adult insects are removed.
Crowded living conditions, limited access to laundering facilities, and inadequate personal hygiene increase risk. Body‑lice are strongly linked to poor sanitation, while head‑lice thrive where frequent head contact is unavoidable.
Control measures focus on eliminating the source and interrupting transmission. Regular inspection of hair and clothing detects early stages. Personal items should not be shared. Clothing and bedding must be washed at ≥ 60 °C or dry‑cleaned. Effective pediculicides, applied according to manufacturer instructions, eradicate surviving insects and nits. Continuous monitoring prevents re‑infestation.