Lice are parasitic insects that can be found on different parts of people, such as the head, body, and the pubic area. The lice found on each of these areas are actually different from each other. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis; “crabs”) are the ones that we hear about the most and they do NOT transmit diseases.
Since head lice and pubic lice infestations do not spread diseases, they are NOT reportable as a communicable disease to OCHCA Epidemiology. Note: Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses advocate that “no nit” policies should be discontinued.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/schools.html.
Healthcare Professionals
Last reviewed January 24, 2019
