News

Lice found at Bottineau public schools

Tyler Ohmann

03/27/2012

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All Bottineau Public School students Kindergarten through 12th grade were screened for head lice after the school learned of potential cases within the school district.

Following three days of screenings last week “a few” students were found to have head lice according to Bottineau Superintendant Jason Kersten.

Kersten stated that the students who were found to have contracted head lice were sent home with instructions on how to get rid of the lice and the nits (eggs).

Those students would not be allowed to re-attend school until evaluated and cleared by the county nurse, Kersten also said.

Some quick tips for removing head lice from the North Dakota Department of Health include:

  •  Check every member of the family
  • Use a product for treating lice (head lice treatments will not prevent the lice)
  •  Be wary of that the ingredients in the product are able to be used by the person with head lice
  •  Comb to remove all lice and nits
  •  Wash all clothes, bedding and towels which were used or worn within the past two days
  •  Soak all combs and brushes for 10 minutes in hot water (130 degrees)
  •  Vaccum, but lice sprays are not recommended


The ND Department of Health also states many facts about head lice:

  •  Anyone can get head lice
  •  Lice cannot jump or fly, and are usually transmitted through contact with an infested person or their clothing
  •  A person infected with head lice can spread them for as long as they are infested.
  •  A daily check for lice for seven to 10 days after treatment is recommended.
  •  A past infestation does not make a person immune to being reinfested.
  •  Symptoms of head lice include, itching, sores on the head or a tickling feeling.


To control the spread of head lice, the ND Department of Health suggests:

  •  Instruct children not to share apparel or any other items that come into contact with the hair
  •  Check the heads of everyone in the family on a regular basis
  •  When an infestation is found, report the case, so anyone who has been in contact can also be checked
  •  No lice treatment is 100 percent effective. All lice and nits need to be removed even after treatment


 The Mayo Clinic states that head lice affects millions of people each year, with the most common cases occurring in preschool and elementary-aged students.