Which measure is associated with lice control and prevention?

• A. Regular bathing of humans
• B. Use of anti-lice shampoos on animals
• C. Avoidance of contact with those infested
• D. Vaccination against lice

Answer: (C)

Lice spread mainly through close contact because they move by crawling from one host to another and don’t jump or fly. Because of this, avoiding contact with someone who is infested dramatically reduces the chance of transmission and is the most effective way to prevent and control outbreaks. Regular bathing may help with cleanliness but doesn’t reliably prevent lice, since eggs (nits) can cling to hair and survive until a host with infestation is treated. Vaccination against lice doesn’t exist, so prevention isn’t possible through immunization. Using anti-lice shampoos on animals addresses animal lice, not human lice, and won’t prevent human infestations. So, minimizing exposure to those who are infested is the best preventive measure.