First Case of Head Lice Discovered at Crown Valley Elementary Tuesday Morning

The first case of head lice was discovered around 9 a.m. Tuesday morning at Crown Valley Elementary School, according to Principal Anthony Bogle.

Head lice is not uncommon or something from days gone by, Bogle said.

"We started checking immediately," Bogle said. "We usually get two or three cases a years, but sometimes when the students attend a party together, you get a little outbreak."

An email was sent to parents via the school's listserve that stated: "we found a few students in our primary classrooms had lice. Once we find a child who has lice or nits, we immediately check his/her classmates and siblings attending the school. Parents are notified and a letter is sent out to the families of the children enrolled in that particular classroom.

"A classroom environment is not conducive to lice due to the plastic, wood and metal furniture. Cloth items are limited in a classroom for this very reason; lice can live in cloth for up to 36 hours.

"However, lice can spread from child to child by sharing hats or clothing. I have requested the teachers separate the students' hanging jackets and backpacks, but it would be helpful to remind your own children not to share clothing."

The treatment for lice is relatively simple. Special shampoos can take care of the situation with very few applications.

Th school hopes that through the thorough head checks completed Tuesday, it will have the problem isolated, but if you want to have your child checked, please contact the Crown Valley office at 949-495-5115.