Head lice problem at Athens Academy, Chase St. Elementary

From: Mary Dana Leverett mleverett@athensacademy.org
To:
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2013 7:50 PM
Subject: Head lice problem

Dear Parents,

Several cases of head lice have been confirmed in the Middle School.  We urge parents to examine your children very carefully.  If lice or nits are found, please begin treatment immediately.  The attached letter gives details of treatment protocol. 

We have three classes leaving for trips in the next week.  It is important to address this problem swiftly. 

Please urge children not to share sweatshirts, jackets, or hats.

Thank you.

Brenda Klein

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Brenda P. Klein
Middle School Director
Athens Academy
P.O. Box 6548
Athens, GA 30604

706-433-2520

March 29, 2013

Dear Families of Middle School children,

A case of head lice has been reported at Athens Academy in Middle School.  We wanted you to be aware of this situation at school.   Please read the information below and check your children.

Early signs and symptoms of this highly communicable disease are irritation and itching of the scalp.  Lice are light gray insects that lay their eggs or "nits" in the hair, especially at the nape of the neck and about the ears.  Lice and the eggs can be spread by direct contact with the infected person or their clothing. 

If you suspect that your child has head lice, please treat with a medicated shampoo according to the directions on the label.  Several medicated shampoos are available. "Nix" is recommended by the Health Department and no longer requires a doctor's prescription.

For children to return to school they must have been treated and have no crawling lice.  Nits alone are not reason for exclusion if the child has been treated.  If instances of head lice continue a “no nit policy” may be needed on an individual basis.  If initial treatment fails, repeat in 24 hours.  If this also fails, consult your physician or local health department.  Do not repeat more than twice in one week.  All infected persons should be retreated in 8-10 days to kill newly hatched lice.

If your child has lice or nits, please take the following precautions in your home:

   1. Machine wash in hot water washable clothing and bed linens which have come in contact with infested individuals within the previous three days.  The use of a dryer (high heat for 20 min.) will also facilitate destruction of nits. 

 

   2. Dry clean clothing which is not washable (coats, hats, scarves, etc.)  An alternative is to place such clothing in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. 

   3. Soak combs and brushes for an hour in 2% Lysol solution or heat on the stove to approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit in a pan of water for five to ten minutes (CAUTION - heating may damage comb/brush.)

 

   4. Vacuum mattresses, pillows, stuffed furniture and carpeting.

 

   5. Special sprays for treatment of the environment can also be obtained from the drugstore but spraying is seldom necessary if above procedures are followed and is generally not recommended.

Please contact me if your child has any communicable disease.  It is essential that the home and school work together.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Brenda P. Klein

Middle School Director