Body Lice Reported At The University Of Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, MD — Body lice has been discovered at the University of Maryland. After inspections and treatments, school officials have given the all clear.

The University of Maryland’s pest control management units will continue to inspect the reported areas to make sure there's no reoccurrence or new outbreaks, the university stated.

Body lice are tiny, visible insects that can live on people's skin and clothes. They are typically spread through direct contact with individuals who have them. They can sometimes spread through contact with clothing, beds or linens that have been in contact with a person with lice.

Symptoms include itching, rash and bites.

Students were advised to not share clothes, beds, bedding or towels used by a person with lice.

To treat body lice, school officials said to do the following:

• Wash clothes, bedding and towels in hot water. Dry them on the hottest setting.
• Bathe regularly, change clothes often and wash clothes at least once a week.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture.
• Place items that cannot be washed into a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.