Head Lice

Head lice infestation is an annoying and common problem for children ages 3 - 12 and their families.  It is an under-reported condition, yet across the United States, between 6  to 12 million cases arise each year.

In 2008, 622 people were screened for head lice at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health with 242 positive cases identified that required treatment.  This number is down from previous years, but since head lice is often under-reported, these numbers do not indicate the actual prevalence of this condition, but only those clients served at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health during the year. 

Most people do not know what head lice look like.  Here is a picture of the adult louse.

Helpful Websites: 

Centers for Disease Control - Head Lice Infestation
http://www.cdc.gov/lice

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
http://www.healthinschools.org/Educators-and-Families/Parents/Learn-Now/Head-Lice.aspx

The National Pediculosis Association, Inc.
http://www.headlice.org

Other Resources:

Pamphlet: "Let's Get Nit Picky"

Michigan Head Lice Manual

Head Lice Educational Information Sheet

General Information and Recommendations for Schools and Child Care Centers

Vision & Hearing

If a child has a problem seeing or hearing, it can cause problems in the classroom.  When you suspect a problem, have your child's vision and hearing screened for free at the Health Department. 

Immunizations

Childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio have been nearly eliminated due to vaccines.  Today, chicken pox and bacterial meningitis are the latest of successful new vaccinations to eliminate disease.

Your children need certain immunizations to attend school.  See the requirements for school, as well as, when they enter adolescence; and what you can do as an adult to stay UP-TO-DATE in your vaccines and preventing disease.

Lead Hazards

Lead is an environmental hazard that can cause learning disabilities at certain exposure levels.  Learn more about the Saginaw County Lead Hazard Control Program and whether testing of your home and children is needed.

Dental

Do your school-aged children have dental care?  Do they have a regular dentist?  If not, you want to learn more about the Saginaw County Department of Public Health's Dental Services Division.