Outbreak of pediculosis capitis in students of Bahar in Hamedan province

Head louse, pediculosis capitis, is a major health problem in the world. Head louse infestation is still common in many countries including Iran. It causes serious health problems in many communities particularly among the school-age children. The aim of this study was to determine the major factors in an outbreak of pediculosis capitis in students of Bahar in 2011. All confirmed and recorded cases that were diagnosed in an outbreak of pediculosis capitis in students of Bahar in Hamedan province in October-December 2011 were included in this study and their demographic and epidemiological data were analyzed. Among all of the 17722 students in Bahar, 1217 (6.74%) were infested. From these infested students, 98.1% were female, 59.8% resided in urban area and 57.6% were studying in primary schools. Statistically significant relationships were found between head lice infestation, and factors such as sex, residency status and level of education of the students (P<0.05).Conclusuion: This is the first time that an outbreak of head lice infestation was reported in Bahar city among students. As it is probable that personal and public hygiene by seasonal and nomadic migrant workers was the primary cause of the outbreak providing facilities for workers and upgrading the knowledge of these workers', people and students about the prevention and treatment of infested cases is essential.