Lice found in West Chicago school

Staff at Norton Creek School have been picking over students with a fine-tooth comb after at least two students spent an unpleasant day at school last week.

St. Charles School District 303 sent a letter to parents Monday informing them of two known cases of head lice at Norton Creek in West Chicago. Staff believes the students contracted lice from somewhere outside the school, but did come to school with lice in their hair. The students have been treated by doctors, are back in school and lice-free. Staff are asking parents to check their child's hair for the next couple weeks for head lice as the insects can present for at least three to four weeks before they are detected.

School staff advise that in most cases lice spread through direct head-to-head contact through shared hair brushes, pillows and hats. Head lice are parasitic insects that die within 24 hours once they fall off the human head. They do not jump or fly, but can live on the human head for up to 30 days. The problem worsens when a female louse lays eggs.

The district is taking its own prevention measures by specially cleaning classrooms for the next several weeks.