The Netherlands – The number of primary school children with head lice has doubled in the past 15 years despite vigilant checks by schools and parents, reveals a survey the National Head Lice Support Centre.

According to the survey, the number of children with head lice has doubled in the past 15 years. The survey shows 25.5 percent of parents say their children have head lice in the past 12 months as compared to 11 percent of children with head lice in 1993. 

The online survey which was filled out by over 750 parents and students aims to study the current number of head lice infections in the Netherlands.

Parents are advised to conduct regular checks on their children’s hair at home. They are also enlisted as volunteers ‘louse parents’ at school to help check for lice in the students’ hair.

As an additional measure against head lice, schools often insist that pupils hang their coats in louse-proof bags.

The researchers remained puzzled as they can’t find a reason that explains the dramatic increase in head lice. The report recommends a follow-up study to establish the critical success factors for prevention.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica