Researchers Find Super-Strain of Head Lice in Virginia

A report on NBC’s Today Show this week stated researchers have found a new super-strain of head lice whose genetic evolution makes them immune to normal over-the-counter lice treatments.

The strain has now been documented in 25 states, including Virginia.

These lice are becoming more and more resistant to pyrethroids, the active ingredient in most lice medications, through generations of genetic mutations.

Kyong Yoon, an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University and a member of the research team that discovered this new strain of lice, told Today that these lice are not completely immune to pyrethroids, but that a higher dose is now required to eliminate lice from your scalp.

The report on Today said most home remedies for lice are merely myths, and sometimes over-the-counter treatments don’t work simply because parents are not using them as directed or rinse them out of their child’s hair too soon after application.

Fairfax County is no stranger to the threat of lice in its schools and daycares. Following the lead of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FCPS said there is no proof that regularly screening for lice has any effect on limiting the outbreak of lice in a community.

It also said lice should not be a reason to keep a child out of class, and that upon receiving treatment that child should be allowed to return to class rather than waiting for an official “no-nit” approval, again citing the CDC as its source.

And, of course, the one method that’s guaranteed to eliminate head lice is a clean shave, although not many kids are fond of this look.

Still, it can never hurt to have a last resort, right?

Patch file photo