Head lice need 'head treatment', says principal

Woy Woy South Public School has reiterated the NSW Department of Health's key findings on head lice after concerns have been raised about head lice within the school community.

"We have had many concerns from our community about head lice within our school," said principal Ms Ona Buckley.

"All schools have the same issues and I do believe it is extremely important to read all the information you can about head lice so you have a very clear understanding of what they are, their life cycle and what can be done to treat them when outbreaks occur.

"As stated by NSW Health: Head lice are small wingless insects that live on human hair.

"They cannot jump or swim and are only spread by head to head contact.

"A head lice infestation is not the result of dirty hair or poor hygiene and can affect all types of hair irrespective of its condition or length," Ms Buckley said.

"Head lice are only found on the human head or hair.

"They do not live on furniture, hats, bedding, carpet or anywhere else in the environment.

"Treating anything other than the human head does not eradicate head lice.

"Please understand the school operates under the guidelines of the Privacy of Information Code and cannot single any child out or inspect heads of hair for head lice.

"We follow the procedure of alerting the whole class if anyone is thought to have an infestation.

"Younger children are more at risk of spreading head lice as they tend to have more physical contact," Ms Buckley said.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 8 Mar 2018

Ona Buckley, Woy Woy Public School