An editor relates her recent experiences with head lice

Zuger Zeitung Editor Carmen Rogenmoser knows a lot about head lice, and for good reason.
 

Head lice have six legs with strong claws. They are climbers that cannot jump or fly, they live for around 30 days, and can survive for around two days without human blood. Why do I know so much about these parasites? Because of recent events.

The “Information sheet on head lice” (Informationsblatt über Kopfläuse) landed in my mailbox last week. It said that head lice had been found in my daughter's kindergarten class. It announced that the lice inspector (the so-called ‘Laustante: lice auntie) would be checking all the children a few days later, and their parents would then be informed in writing. And all that will take a little time.

And in the meantime? We're all scratching our heads. I'm sure you're already itching as you read these first few sentences.

Head lice (the image of lice is greatly enlarged here) can be combated with a special comb and shampoos.             Archive photo: Zuger Zeitung
 

Before my children started kindergarten, I wasn't aware of how widespread these pests are. I can't remember us ever being plagued by lice as children – after all, we were three girls with long hair back then. Maybe we’re more sensitive today, or maybe checks are more thorough. I can't explain it, but it doesn't matter. Because they are there.

When the head lice warning first appeared almost exactly a year ago, I felt a slight panic. Nits were also spotted on my daughter's head. In my mind's eye, I saw countless creatures crawling around in her hair. A cycle from which it is practically impossible to escape. That was my horror scenario.

At the time, we were on our way to a long weekend away. Because we had to leave quickly, I even sent my mother to the pharmacy to buy lice shampoo (Läuseshampoo), several packs for the whole family. Surprisingly, the “problem” was quickly resolved. At the next check, the whole class was lice-free again.

So now we're going into the next round. Experience helps, and now I react much less hectically. I briefly considered doing a preventive lice check, but then decided against it.

My daughter assured me that nothing was found on her. Of course, I want to believe her, but a slight doubt remains. We’re therefore still waiting for the school's decision. That could be a positive sign—if only it weren't for the constant itching.

Note:
Lice checks are a regular occurrence at Swiss schools, and particularly at the kindergarten level. The authorities thereby send information to all the parents. The lice inspector is colloquially know as the ‘Laustante’ (lice aunt). It's assumed that many children often catch head lice while attending summer camps. “Lice are a disease that is transmitted from person to person, or more precisely, from hair to hair,” explains a “lice aunt.”