Got Lice? No Problem

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - For generations, children with signs of
head lice were sent home by the school nurse. Now schools have
become less nitpicky.
With the backing of some major health organizations, a majority
of schools across the country are allowing youngsters to stay in
class if they have nits - that is, lice eggs - but no crawling lice
in their hair.
It's a change recommended in 2002 by the American Academy of
Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses, and it
has been welcomed by many educators and parents.
Its unclear whether there have been more infestations in recent
years as a result of the new, more relaxed policies.
For school officials, it's an issue they can't win.
Sherry Marbury, the state nurse supervisor for the Alabama
Department of Education, says she gets call about lice throughout
the school year and doesn't expect the debate to end anytime soon.


(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)