Epidemiology of an outbreak of head lice in Georgia.

An outbreak of head lice infestation (pediculosis) occurred in elementary school children in Barrow County, Georgia, in January 1974. An investigation was initiated to define the magnitude of the outbreak, determine factors that contribute to transmission, and disseminate information on control. All elementary school children in the county were examined for head lice and answered a questionnaire. Fifty-three (3%) of 1,783 white pupils were infested, but none of the 500 black pupils was infested. Distribution of infestation in the white pupils was influenced by grade, bed-sharing, socioeconomic status, infestation of other family members, crowding in the home, and family size; distribution was not influenced by hair length or the sex of the pupil. Recommendations for control based on the results of the investigation included procedures for identifying and processing cases, distributing free pediculicides, continuing surveillance, educating school personnel and parents on how to control the parasite.