Head Lice are small insects (less than 1/8 inch long, approximately the size of a sesame seed). Head lice live on blood they draw from the scalp and lay tiny, gray/white eggs (known as nits) near the scalp. The warmth from the scalp is needed for the eggs to hatch. Head lice are not known to spread disease.

 

 

Exclusion Guidance Children or others do not need to be excluded from childcare, school, work, or other activities if they have head lice. Exclusion and treatment of children in child care can occur at the end of the day with return the following day after their first treatment. Children can remain in school but should be treated for lice as soon as possible. Head-to-head contact with others should be discouraged.