By: Jenna Beresheim
News Editor

While lice may have a reputation of popping up in small children within the school system, outbreaks are possible wherever high populations of people gather. Now, recent reports state that “super lice” have shown up within the last few years.

“There are a number of theories as to how “regular” lice have mutated into “super” lice,” said Jennifer King, FNP-BC, Medical Services Director at Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center.

“Most likely, it is due to incorrect usage of over-the-counter treatments, either by not using enough product or leaving the solution on the scalp for an insufficient amount of time to kill the lice,” King continued. “Based on research, it has been found that lice can mutate genetically and become resistant to traditional OTC treatments, [also known as] pyrethroids.”

These super lice have spread to over half the country, including Washington, California, and Arizona.

In 2000, the over-the-counter treatments of pyrethroids were 100 percent effective in the removal and killing of head lice. Now, those numbers have dwindled to just 25 percent effectiveness in recent trials.

To combat the mutated lice, Lice Clinics of America has developed an FDA-approved treatment called AirAlle, reports FoxNews.

“We use heated air, and we dehydrate the lice and eggs in a single treatment,” said Claire Roberts, CEO of Lice Clinics of America, to KSDK.com.

“It takes about an hour, and we guarantee it,” Roberts continued.
Each treatment of AirAlle costs about $170, which may be out of a college student’s budget range.

“If there is a concern about resistant head lice, a.k.a “super lice” we recommend scheduling an appointment here at the health center for evaluation and prescription treatment,” encouraged King.

Some suggestions to reduce the chance of spreading lice can be found through the Center for Disease Control. The CDC recommends a few of the following tips: avoid head-to-head contact, avoid sharing clothes – especially hats, and try not to use an infected individual’s objects, such as pillows or hairbrushes.

If you do happen to become infected, machine wash all clothes and bedding in hot water, then dry at the same temperature. Fumigation sprays are not necessary as they are not meant to treat lice. Wash all other possibly infected objects, such as hairbrushes and towels, in hot water as well. Lastly, vacuum and wipe down the affected living areas, such as bedroom and living room.

Once lice have left someone’s body, they quickly dehydrate and die within one to two days, but cleaning ensures less chance of the lice finding their way back to a body. Lice eggs also require a specific temperature, one found close to the scalp, in order to hatch. Investing in specialized lice picks and combs may help combat the further spread.

“To help control a head lice outbreak in a community, it is imperative that we provide information to prevent the spread of lice. The student health center utilizes social media, including Facebook and Twitter as well as email to share information about a number of general health topics and concerns,” said King.

“While lice are irritating and uncomfortable, the good news is that they don’t spread disease, according to the CDC,” said King.

Contact the author at jberesheim11@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOUjournalnews