NPHC: After the Summer Holidays, it is Important to Ensure Head Lice Prevention
The National Public Health Centre (NPHC) reminds that anyone can get head lice – both children and adults. Neither social status nor personal hygiene habits protect against pediculosis, therefore regular prevention in educational institutions is especially important. Although this condition does not pose a threat to life, it spreads quickly and causes significant discomfort, so the most important thing is to detect it in time and treat it properly.
How do lice spread?
The most common type is the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), which lives in human scalp hair. Infestation can occur through close contact: while playing, being in groups, or using the same hairbrushes, hats, or bedding. Lice do not jump, but they crawl quickly from one person to another.
How to recognize infestation?
Lice and their eggs – nits – can be seen in the hair near the scalp. Nits are small (up to 1.5 mm), firmly attached to the hair, and therefore do not resemble dandruff. Active infestation is confirmed when live nits or moving lice are observed.
“Pediculosis is a common occurrence in children’s groups after the summer holidays, which is why it is very important for parents to regularly check their children. If lice are found, there is no need to feel ashamed – this is not a problem of personal hygiene but an infectious condition that must be treated,” says Milda Žygutienė, Chief Specialist at the NPHC, Communicable Diseases Management Department.
For recommendations on lice removal products, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Prevention in educational institutions
Without a human host, lice survive in the environment for only one day, therefore in educational institutions it is very important to follow preventive measures – vacuum carpets daily, regularly check children’s hair, and do not allow the sharing of combs, hats, or other personal items.
Epidemiological surveillance of pediculosis is carried out by personal health care institutions as well as public health specialists working in children’s educational institutions. When organizing preventive health checks for children regarding pediculosis, or upon recognizing lice infestation, it is recommended to follow the methodological material „Pedikuliozės profilaktika ir kontrolė (metodinės rekomendacijos)“.
In children’s educational institutions, preventive head checks for lice are recommended after holidays and as needed according to epidemiological requirements.
We remind that, according to Visuomenės sveikatos priežiūros organizavimo mokykloje tvarkos aprašas, the school principal must establish procedures related to the inspection of pupils’ personal hygiene.
Last updated: 08-09-2025
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