Epidemiology

There are few studies of prevalence in resource-rich countries. Prevalence has been estimated in some communities, but can vary widely among communities, and even among schools in the same community.[5] Some examples include Australia (prevalence in school children of 13%, with a range between schools of 0% to 28%), the UK (prevalence of 2%), and China (prevalence of 14%, with a range of 0% to 52%).[6][7][8]

Infestations in the US are most common among children aged 3 to 12 years. True prevalence and incidence data in the US do not exist as such data are not collected in any standardised way, and are often inferred by the sale of pediculicides, which in itself most probably represents an overestimate of true incidence. All socioeconomic groups are affected. It has been suggested that race or ethnicity influences rates of infestation, but head lice are common worldwide.[5][9][10] In developing countries, prevalence in children may be up to 60%; in such settings, head lice infestation may also be frequently present in adults.[11] Head lice do not infest animals.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer