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Show Head lice a problem Head lice infestation is a growing national health problem, and Utah is no different than other states in trying try-ing to combat this problem. The Davis County Health Department have recently reported numerous lice outbreaks in the schools in Davis School District. Rich and poor, young and old, today anyone can contract lice. Head lice themselves cannot jump or fly but are spread from one person to another chiefly through personal contact or the sharing of such items as brushes, combs, hats, scarves and coats. Head lice andor oval white eggs are usually found on strands of hair next to the scalp behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Eggs should not be confused with dandruff, which is flaky, or with droplets of hair spray. The first sign of lice is usually intense itching. It is imperative that parents remember re-member that the best place to stop lice is at home. Lice andor eggs can be seen, and this is why it is so important that parents assume responsibility for examining their children regularly. To stop the spread of lice, an infected in-fected child will not be permitted back to school until the infestation is cleared up. However, parents should rest assured that special care is taken so as to not ostracize a child from hisher peers at school. The Davis County Health Department urges parents to perform per-form these weekly checks and if a problem is suspected to contact their child's school as soon as possible. Quick detection and responsible parents will be the first step in reducing head lice infestation infesta-tion and its increasing prevalence in Utah's school-aged children. |