Schools
Current evidence does not support the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of classroom or school-wide screening for decreasing the incidence of head lice among school children. School administrators are encouraged to help educate parents and staff about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of head lice.
“No-nits” policies that require a child to be free of nits before they can return to school are not recommended. Children should be permitted to return to school or child care after appropriate treatment is started. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease.
The informational materials on CDC's Lice Web site are in the public domain and can be printed for further copying and distribution by choosing "printer-friendly version" located at the upper right side of the Web page.
Page last reviewed: May 16, 2007
Content Source: Division of Parasitic Diseases (DPD)
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)