Families » Complex Area Uku (Head Lice) Policy

Complex Area Uku (Head Lice) Policy

 

AUGUST 2018

 

Dear Parents & Families:

Beginning in the 2016-2017 Academic School Year, the West Hawaii Complex Area implemented a policy to address ukus (head lice) in school.  This policy is based on national recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and National Association of School Nurses.  Under this new policy, all students will remain in school regardless of the presence of ukus.

Keiki (children) being sent home for ukus has contributed significantly to chronic absenteeism and studies show that academic success is closely tied with keiki being present in school. Your keiki’s education is important to us all.

The procedures that will be followed are listed below:

  • The school health aide will inspect the hair of students who are showing symptoms of ukus.
  • Once a student is noted to have ukus, a call will be made to parents.
  • The student will be sent back to class and remain in school until the end of the school day.
  • At the end of the school day, a note with information on home treatment will be sent home with your keiki.
 
Facts About Ukus:

 Ukus DO NOT jump or fly. They crawl.

-Ukus affect everyone equally

-Having ukus is NOT a sign of poor hygiene

-Ukus may be present for at least 1 month before you may notice them

-Treatment is the ONLY way to get rid of ukus. This includes treating your home.

-Ukus are bothersome but they are NOT harmful and DO NOT spread disease

-They spread primarily through DIRECT head-to-head contact

 

Helpful Pointers:

  • Check your keiki’s hair at least once a week and if ukus or nits are found, treat promptly. You can call your primary care provider for possible treatment solutions, some of which may be covered by insurance.
  • The best prevention measures are to educate yourself and your keiki on how ukus spread and to treat as soon as they are found.
  • Consider keeping your keiki’s hair slicked back or tied up to help prevent infestation. Remember, checking your keiki’s hair once a week at home will help keep ukus out of your home and our school community.

 

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact your school principal or school health aide.

 

Mahalo!