Who transmits lice? - briefly
Lice are transmitted mainly by direct head‑to‑head contact and by sharing items such as combs, hats, or bedding. Transmission through surfaces, pets, or insects is uncommon.
Who transmits lice? - in detail
Lice spread primarily through close physical contact between individuals. Direct head‑to‑head interaction, common among schoolchildren and athletes, transfers head lice immediately. Sharing personal objects—combs, brushes, hats, headphones, or hair accessories—provides a secondary pathway, especially when items are used without cleaning.
Body lice move from one person to another via contaminated clothing or bedding. Infested garments act as reservoirs; when a host changes into clean attire, the lice are displaced and may seek a new host. Frequent laundering at temperatures above 60 °C or thorough dry cleaning eliminates this risk.
Pubic lice, also known as crab lice, are transmitted chiefly through sexual contact. Brief skin‑to‑skin exposure in the genital area suffices for transfer. Non‑sexual transmission, though rare, can occur via shared towels, bedding, or clothing that contacts the pubic region.
Animal‑associated lice rarely affect humans, but certain species—such as the seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) or the dog louse (Trichodectes canis)—may temporarily attach to people handling infested animals. These instances are exceptional and do not contribute significantly to human infestations.
Key vectors summarised:
- Direct head contact (children, athletes)
- Shared personal items (combs, hats, headphones)
- Contaminated clothing/bedding (body lice)
- Sexual contact (pubic lice)
- Infrequent animal handling (rare zoonotic lice)
Control measures focus on breaking these transmission routes: regular inspection, avoiding item sharing, proper laundering, and prompt treatment of affected individuals.