How are Lice Spread
The Canadian Paediatric Society reports that the spread of head lice is common, particularly among school-age children in Canada and elsewhere. Children can catch lice from head-to-head contact, during a hug with an infested person, for example, or by sharing personal items such as hats that have been in recent contact with infested hair.
To prevent prevent spreading, DON'T share or borrow hair items such as combs, headbands, head gear, hats, headphones or other personal items. As a precaution, long hair can be tied back in braids.
In case of infestation, all clothing, head gear, scarves, towels and bedding should be washed in very hot water, followed by at least 20 minutes in the dryer on the hot cycle. Dry cleaning should suffice for blankets, jackets or other non-washables. Mattresses of infested persons should not be used for 48 hours in an effort to break the cycle of re-infestation. Combs and any daily-use hair accessories should also be washed.