Prevention

It's difficult to prevent the spread of head lice among children in child care facilities and schools because there is so much close contact.

The chance of indirect transmission from personal items is slight. However, to help prevent a head-lice infestation, you may instruct your child to:

• Hang garments on a separate hook from other children's garments
• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats and scarves
• Not lie on beds, couches or pillows that have been in contact with a person infested by head lice

A worry about head-lice transmission is not considered a good reason to avoid sharing protective headgear for sports and bicycling when sharing is necessary.