Reported lice infestations all over the world are increasing. Is this the price we pay for increased global mobility? It is essential that this growing problem gains the attention of parents, school personnel, and health care professionals so that lice infestations are avoided throughout the year. Early identification of lice infestation cases can prevent a fast spread of this nuisance.

The head louse feeds on blood several times daily and resides close to the scalp in order to maintain its body temperature. The life cycle of the louse has three stages: Eggs, nymph, and adult.
Head lice do not fly or jump; instead they are transmitted when an infested person comes into close contact with someone else. Transmission commonly takes place among children at play, while at school, home or during outdoor activities. The transfer is optimal to hairs that are parallel and slow-moving relative to the infested hair. Adult lice are more often transferred than the other two development stages and have short lives after being removed from the host. Whether people can become infected by inanimate objects like coats, bedding, towels, and upholstered furniture is a topic of controversy.