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Head lice are tiny insects that live and breed in human scalp and hair. While they do not carry or transmit disease, lice can cause itchiness. Common in school-aged children, head lice are mainly transmitted by head-to-head contact but can also be spread through the sharing of personal articles.
Council conducts head lice checks at its Madden Avenue Service Centre, subject to the availability of health officers or nurses. Advice on managing and treating head lice is also available.
Hair must be dry and free of products and lotions for a check to be undertaken.
The Public Health & Wellbeing Regulations 2009 do not require a person to obtain a head lice clearance certificate prior to returning to school or work, however Council provides checks as a service to the community.
Schools, kindergartens and child care centres are encouraged to develop their own policies and programs for managing and treating head lice. Council can provide advice upon request.