According to the American Camp Association (ACA), summer camps were attended by approximately 11 million children from preschool age to adolescence in 2011 in the United States, with an estimated adult workforce of 1 million. Summer camps represent an ideal setting for head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation due to close quarters and multiple opportunities for direct camper-to-camper contact. Lice infestations, although non-life threatening, have substantial social, economic, and medical consequences for campers. Lice can also cause significant logistical problems for camp programs and parents, and the cost of treatment can be substantial as the risk of further resistance to standard treatments becomes more commonplace. Although the ACA and the Association of Camp Nurses (ACN) recommend lice screening procedures and policies, the extent of head lice infection at pediatric summer camps is unclear.

Authors: Ashley A. DeHudy, M.D., M.P.H.1, Andrew N. Hashikawa, M.D.1, Michael J. Ambrose, M.D.2

1Children’s Emergency Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; 2St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, MI

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