Other Health and Safety Information
HEAD LICE
We have had one case of head lice reported in our district within the last month. If you find head lice, don’t worry or be embarrassed. Head lice are a normal part of childhood – head lice infestations number somewhere between 12 and 25 million each year and target primarily younger children, under age 12..
If you're a parent you probably know what a hassle it is to treat head lice and just how frustrating it can be when your child comes home scratching their head yet again. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center wants to remind everyone that the “yuck” factor notwithstanding, head lice are a nuisance, not a health threat. The fall and winter seasons are when the most cases of head lice are reported.
But parents can fight the spread of head lice by working together:
• Check your family's hair for lice regularly - once a week is ideal!
• Visit your local pharmacist for guidance on the various treatments available.
• Get treatment for you or your family as soon as you find live lice.
• Let your friends and family know as soon as you’ve found live lice.
BED BUGS
Bed bugs are a nuisance, but their bites are not known to spread
disease. Bed bugs are usually active at night and feed on human blood.
The bite does not hurt at first, but it may become swollen and itch,
much like a mosquito bite. Watch for clusters of bites, usually in a
line, on exposed areas of the body. Typically a school district does
not provide the environment necessary for bed bugs to spread.
If you have concerns for your child, please read the fact sheets below and/or consult with your physician.
NYC DOH Bed Bug Fact Sheet – English Version
NYC DOH Bed Bug Fact Sheet – Spanish Version
NYC DOH Bed Bug Fact Sheet – Urdu Version
Source: http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Health
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Itching Many children infested with head lice have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, itching of the head is the most common.
Sores in the head caused by scratching At times, tiny red areas on the scalp may be seen due to the bites of the louse. Sores in the head may also develop from continued itching and scratching.
Tickling feeling or something moving in the hair Another symptom reported by some people is a tickling or crawling feeling in the hair.
Sleeplessness Sleeplessness is also a common sign of lice infestation since lice like the dark and are more active at night.
The most obvious sign that someone is infested is the presence of lice themselves.
Head lice can infest all people, regardless of age, race, social-economic status or hygiene practices.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
1. Careful inspection of the hair and scalp to identify lice.
2. Use of pediculicidal (head lice) product or an alternative therapy.
3. The manual removal of nits (eggs)
4. The cleaning of personal items and the environment.
5. Daily checks of the hair and scalp.
For more information please go to: www.Headlice.org
H1N1
An updated letter from the Nassau County Department of Health regarding flu is available. Click Here
Flu Information
H1N1 Update
As the District receives updated guidance from the health authorities on influenza, we implement any procedures recommended, as well as passing information on to you. Also note that there is a special link on our website for information on H1N1 and influenza.
Look for information to come home soon regarding “Tips for Parents from the School Health Office” which will help parents to determine when to keep their child home from school.
Additionally, please note that school nurses will no longer be sending letters home regarding confirmed cases of influenza in a class, per the recommendation of health officials. As influenza is now in the broader community, health officials explain that schools may not be aware of all cases of flu, so the sending home of letters for identified cases may not be an accurate accounting. The recommendation from the Executive Committee of the Council on School Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics now is that parents with medically-fragile students should speak with their private healthcare providers as to whether it is safe for the child to be in school when influenza A and H1N1 is in the broader community.
As always, please do not hesitate to call your school nurse with any questions you may have. We appreciate our dedicated Valley Stream 30 health professionals!