The tiny bugs feed on human blood and the usual treatment
The letter, dated Tuesday from the school nurse and the
however Milford Health Department, begins "Dear Parent or Guardian, your child has been exposed to head lice in school,'' and goes on to describe symptoms and treatments.
According to WebMD, head lice are not a serious health problem, but the itching they cause can be annoying and the tiny bugs are easily spread through casual contact. The lice cannot jump or fly and the condition is usually spread by the sharing of hats, headbands, combs and other personal items, according to the health web site.
The tiny bugs feed on human blood and the usual treatment is with over-the-counter creams and shampoos. The letter sent home with Harborside students on Tuesday said that use of a lice-killing shampoo is not recommended unless the insects have been discovered in a child's hair, and that use of the shampoo will not prevent lice.
