Head louse infestations in Gaza Governorates

Abstract

In total, 2,408 primary school girls (6-14 yr old) in two districts within the Gaza Governorate were examined for the presence of head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer. The localities chosen for the study were the Old Gaza city and the rural village Jabalia. The rate of infestation with lice was 14.1%, and an additional 35% of girls had nits (eggs) only. The prevalence of louse infestation was high among the 6-12-yr-old girls. A sharp decline in infestation was observed after 12 yr of age. No lice were found on the 13 to 14-yr-old girls examined. Approximately 67.1% of infested girls had one to 10 lice and 49.8% had one to 10 nits on their hair. Significant difference in louse and nit only infestations was found between girls with short and long hair. © 2006 Entomological Society of America.