Insects and Ticks > Lice > Body Louse

Body Louse

Geographical distribution of body lice

• Temperate regions and high elevations of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Situations favoring bodylice infestations

• Crowded and unsanitary conditions associated with disasters such as war, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Location of body lice infestations

• On or in clothing, especially woolens.
• NOTE: Body lice typically do not live directly on the human body.
• NOTE: Eggs typically are glued onto clothing fibers, usually along seams, but occasionally on body hairs.

Spread of body lice

• Primarily via contact with infested people.
• Also via lice leaving a person with a high fever and crawling to a nearby individual.
• Potentially via contact with infested clothing and bedding.

Symptoms of body louse infestation

• Itching and irritability.
• Excessive scratching, resulting in scab-covered sores and secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

Public health risk of body lice

• Severe nuisances and social embarrassment.
• Vectors of three different disease agents in certain regions of the world.

Control of body lice

• Avoid contact with infested people, clothing, and bedding.
• Infested items should be washed at 130 degrees F. and dried in a clothes drier at high temperature.
• For specific chemical control, refer to CDC recommendations and see a physician.

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