Prevalence of head louse infestation in primary school children in Kangwon-do, Korea

Korean J Parasitol. 1993 Mar;31(1):67-9. doi: 10.3347/kjp.1993.31.1.67.

Abstract

We tried to reveal the prevalence rates of the head louse infestation in school children in Kangwon-do, Korea in December 1990. A total of 912 children in four primary schools was examined. The positive rate for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis was 37.2%. One school was followed-up without specific intervention. There was no significant change of the prevalence rate 6 months after the first examination from 66.0% to 57.3%. We could see the persistent infestation rate if there was no intervention. We are emphasizing the significance of worm positive rate because it represents the potentiality of active transmission.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Korea / epidemiology
  • Lice Infestations / epidemiology*
  • Lice Infestations / transmission
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Scalp Dermatoses / epidemiology*