Lice

Cause

Lice are very easily spread, usually through close personal contact. Lice infestation may be caused by any of the three types of lice:

• Head lice may be spread through close personal contact, shared personal items (combs, brushes, hats, helmets, clothing, or earphones), or shared bedding.
• Pubic lice are spread mainly through sexual contact and are very contagious. Most people become infected after a single exposure to an infected person. However, the lice and eggs may survive long enough on personal items such as clothing or towels to be spread to another person. A child diagnosed with pubic lice may have a history of sexual abuse.
• Body lice are most often spread by contact with personal items, especially clothing and hats. They are occasionally spread by direct personal contact.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH Ralph Poore	Last Updated: November 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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