Head lice or pediculosis has been identified in schools not only in Hawaii but also throughout the country.  The health aide does conduct in school screening as necessary.  However, in order to keep this potential problem under control, the Department of Health and the Department of Education request that parents regularly check their child (ren) so that early treatment can be made.  Parents should check the hair, especially at the nape of the neck and around the ears for a pearly, teardrop-shaped egg attached to the hair shaft.  The live louse is difficult to detect and may not be seen.  An initial signal to parents that a louse infestation may be present is intense itching of the head.  Parents suspecting louse infestation should call their physician or ask the pharmacist for appropriate treatment.   A call to the school health aide would be appreciated so that contacts can be screened and referred for appropriate care.