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Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are a common community problem. An estimated 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children ages 3 to 11 years old. Head lice are most common among children attending child care or elementary school, and the household members of infested children. Lice are not dangerous and do not transmit disease, but they do spread easily. Head lice move by crawling; they cannot jump or fly.
Any child can get head lice. It doesn't matter how clean your hair or home may be. It also doesn't matter where children and families live, play, or work.
When it is known that head lice are present in the community, parents are encouraged to check their children's heads for lice on a regular basis throughout the year.
Get the facts about head lice in the links to the left.