The school year has officially started, and area children are catching up with each other as they share the playground and classroom. And, while there are numerous positive things that accompany the beginning of a new school year, there can be some negative.
One such negative thing is an increase in head lice.
Amy Hector, the public health program director with the Stoddard County Health Center, said there is usually an increase in the number of head lice cases after the beginning of a school year.
"I haven't gotten any figures on that, yet," Hector remarked. "But, overall, we don't have very many cases of head lice in this area."
Hector went on to explain that head lice is not a reportable condition, and therefore not all cases are known.
One major area of concern involving head lice is the fact that Missouri is one of 25 states where head lice have been found to be treatment-resistant.
Head lice are commonly treated with pyrethroids, a widely used class of indoor-outdoor insecticide, and according to recent studies, lice have developed a gene mutation known as knock-down resistance (kdr) against pyrethroids.
"I believe the reason for that is because so many people do multiple treatments with the same products," Hector explained. "Sometimes, someone will get lice and they'll treat themselves with an over the counter medicine, but they'll do it repeatedly. After so many cases of people doing that, I'm sure that has helped the lice become more used to it."
Hector said that, along with increased cases at the beginning of a school year, the colder months also see an increase of head lice cases.
"Usually, that's because kids are hanging their coats and hats next to others in the classroom," Hector explained. "It's just easier for them to come into contact because of that."
Hector noted that lice is spread through direct contact only, and that lice do not jump or fly.
"Usually, when there's a case reported in a home, we advise that everyone in the home receive treatment," Hector said. "All the bedding needs to be cleaned, along with all the coats, jackets, and hats. If there are any stuffed animals, or anything that can't be put in a dryer, then we advice those items to be bagged up and sealed, and set outside for a couple of weeks."
Hector emphasized the importance of removing the lice eggs after treating someone's head.
"A lot of times, people will do the treatment but they forget to check the scalp and remove the eggs," Hector explained. "That's one reason for people doing multiple treatments."
There are other chemicals which are available by prescription that can kill head lice, but those chemicals aren't as safe or gentle as the over the counter remedies.
"I would suggest that people be careful when looking up home remedies, as well," Hector said. "Some of the suggested home remedies are just downright dangerous. One remedy I heard of is using gasoline. That is definitely a bad idea. You shouldn't use anything like that on your head or your child's head."
Hector suggested that concerned parents might check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for helpful tips on dealing with the issue of head lice.
"I wouldn't say it's a major concern for this area, though," Hector remarked. "Our schools do a really great job of staying on top of it and doing thorough screenings. So, usually if there is a case, they deal with it immediately to keep it from spreading."