DISEASE: Pediculosis (lousinesss)

CAUSATIVE AGENT : Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse,

Pediculus humanus. There are two subspecies, the head louse
 NATURE OF THE DISEASE (WITH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS):
. Pediculosis is an infestation of lice (blood-feeding ectoparasitic insects of the order
Phthiraptera). The condition can occur in almost any species of warm-blooded animal (i.e.
mammals and birds), including humans.
 The most common symptom of a lice infestation is itching on the scalp, neck and ears. ...
 Lice on scalp. Lice may be visible but are difficult to spot because they're small, avoid
light and move quickly.
 Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts. Nits stick to hair shafts. ...
 Sores on the scalp, neck and shoulders.
OCCURRENCE:
Information on the prevalence of head lice varies around the world. In 2002, the
prevalence of head lice among primary school children in Victoria was found to be 13 per cent.
Females were more than twice as likely to have head lice as males.
 INCUBATION PERIOD:
7 to 12 days from laying to hatching of eggs. Lice can reproduce about 2 weeks after
hatching if they are getting their blood meals from the scalp. Contagious period: Until live lice
are no longer present.
 PERIOD OF COMMUNICABILITY:
The adult's life span on the host is about one month . Away from the scalp, head lice
survive less than two days at room temperature, and their eggs generally become nonviable
within a week and cannot hatch at a lower ambient temperature than that near the scalp
 PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:
Prevention
 Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home,
school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
 Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or
barrettes.
 Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfest combs and brushes used by an infested
person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5–10 minutes.
 Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been
in contact with an infected person.
 Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be
toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Treatment
Medicated shampoos or cream rinses containing pyrethrins or permethrin are preferred
for treating people with head lice. Products containing pyrethrins, permethrin or malathion are
available over-the-counter, but those containing lindane or malathion are available only through
a physician's prescription.