Head Lice

Page last updated on 10/08/24.

Mom combing lice out of daughter's hair

What is it?

Head lice are small insects that live in your hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. They need to eat your blood to survive, and live close to your scalp. These insects do not spread any known diseases. School-aged children have a high chance of getting head lice. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Head Lice webpage.

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: English | Spanish

Infographic

Infographic: English | Spanish

Social Media

Share laughs, not lice: English | Spanish

Suggested message:

  • Share laughs, not lice. Lice can travel on all sorts of items. It’s best not to share any items that touch your hair or head. To learn more about how to prevent the spread, visit the Head Lice webpage at www.cdc.gov.

 

 

You can prevent head lice and it can be treated: English | Spanish

Suggested message:

  • You can prevent head lice and it can be treated. So all of that itching? It’s just not needed! Visit the head lice webpage at www.cdc.gov for more information.

Other Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

California Department of Public Health

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Contact the San Diego Immunization Unit via e-mail or call (866) 358-2966.

Contact the Epidemiology School Response Team via e-mail or call (619) 692-8636.