Head lice, (Pediculus capitis) are small parasitic insects exquisitely adapted to living mainly on the scalp and neck hairs of their human host. Contrary to belief, head lice are a problem that affects all levels of the socio economic class. They have six impressive legs, which can easily grasp human hair, and it is a perfect example of biological evolution and specialization. .
Head lice are contracted through direct human contact. In that aspect, they are similar to other parasitic organisms such as fleas. They can be transferred through direct contact, sharing combs, hats or other objects. They are also able to stay in furniture or beds for a period of time, which also enable them to spread to other hosts. "In North America and Europe, children are more frequently infested than are adults, and Caucasians more frequently than other ethnic groups. Neither able to fly nor jump, lice are also unlikely to wander far from their preferred habitat." (Richard J. Pollack, PhD Head lice: Information and Frequently Asked Questions http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html#what) Head lice survive by feeding on blood at least once a day. Lice cannot survive without feeding in a 24-hour period at room temperature. A nymphal louse hatches from its egg after about 8 days of development, and begins to feed, grow and develop until it attains the adult stage about 9-12 days after hatching. A female louse may deposit more than 100 eggs at a rate of about six eggs each day.
The name of the infection that occurs as a result to this parasitic organism is pediculiasis, and the associated "disease" pediculosis." The symptoms of head lice are the following; a tickling feeling and or something moving in the hair, itching caused by the an allergic reaction to the bites, irritability, and sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected." (Division of parasitic diseases: http://www.cdc.
