Lice
Students diagnosed with live head lice do not need to be sent home early from school; they can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun. Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice.
Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
PSD Guidelines for Lice:
- PSD Guideline for Lice Treatment | Español Guidelines for Lice Treatment
- PSD Checklist for Lice Treatment | Español Checklist for Lice Treatment
- How to Examine for Head Lice | Español How to Examine for Lice
Bed Bugs
Bed bug infestations are considered a nuisance and not a public health problem. Steps to prevent and control bedbugs are available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
PSD Procedures When a Bed Bug is Identified at School
- If a confirmed bed bug is found:
- Parent/legal guardian are notified and the school nurse or designee may inspect the student’s clothing and belongings.
- Temporary clothing may be provided and clothes/shoes with bed bug evidence may be placed in high heat for 30 minutes.
- After treatment, the student will change back into their clothes.
- Facilities addresses any bedbug activity at the school.
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Recommendations for addressing a bedbug infestation:
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Make a plan and prepare for control.
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Contact a pest management professional with experience and knowledge of the inspection, identification, and extermination of bed bugs. These professionals follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, which includes monitoring for any bugs that may have been missed during treatment.
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Use of pesticides in the home without professional consultation is not recommended and could be dangerous
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