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Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of someone who is infected. [4] The cause of head lice infestations in children is not related to cleanliness. [5] Other animals, such as cats and dogs, do not play a role in transmission. [4] Head lice feed only on human blood and are only able to survive on human head hair.
Lice that feed on infected humans acquire the Borrelia organisms that then multiply in the hemolymph and gut of the lice. [9] When an infected louse feeds on an uninfected human, the organism gains access when the victim crushes the louse or scratches the area where the louse is feeding. [ 9 ]
Head lice cannot fly, and their short, stumpy legs render them incapable of jumping, or even walking efficiently on flat surfaces. [ 2 ] The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse ( Pediculus humanus humanus ) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing.
When your child is the temporary home for these blood-sucking freeloaders, the social issue can sometimes be more overwhelming than the physical issue.
Lice inhabiting birds, however, may simply leave their eggs in parts of the body inaccessible to preening, such as the interior of feather shafts. Living louse eggs tend to be pale whitish, whereas dead louse eggs are yellower. [5] Lice are exopterygotes, being born as miniature versions of the adult, known as nymphs. The young moult three ...
Head-lice infestation is most frequent on children aged 3–10 and their families. The CDC estimates that 6 to 12 million children aged 3 to 11 get lice every year. [6] Females aged 3–12 years are most commonly infested. [7] Those of African descent rarely experience infestation due to differences in hair texture. [7]
Epidemic typhus is caused by body lice and thrives in areas with overcrowding. To avoid lice you should stay away from highly populated areas. Also, make sure to regularly clean yourself and your clothing to help kill lice. This also goes for things like bedding and towels. Make sure to not share any fabric items with anyone who has lice or typhus.
Crab lice found on the head or eyelashes of children may be an indication of sexual exposure or abuse. [17] Symptoms of crab louse infestation in the pubic area include itching, redness and inflammation. Crab lice are not known to transmit disease; [citation needed] however, secondary bacterial infection can occur from scratching of the skin.