Prevalence and treatment of Pediculus capitis infestation among aboriginal school children in northern Taiwan

Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 1999 Apr;15(4):209-17.

Abstract

In the present study, pediculosis was investigated among a total of 2,725 children from 35 primary schools in Hsiulin District of Hualien County, Jenai District of Nantou County, Wulai District of Taipei County, Chienshih District of Hsinchu County, Fushing District of Taoyuan County, and Nanao District of Ilan County. The overall infestation rate was 12.8%. The rates by districts were 19.7%, 17.3%, 16.7%, 15.1%, 7.9%, and 3.0%, respectively. The pediculicides including Nix (permethrin 1%) 56 gm/tube, Para aerosol (bioallethrin 0.66%) 90 gm/tube, and Perioderm (malathion 1%) cream shampoo 40 gm/tube were used to treat the head louse infestation in 83, 91, and 103 children; the cure rates were 97.3%, 94.1%, and 93.4%, respectively. No significant differences were found in these rates. The reactions were slight and transitory. A total of 636 lice was collected from the hair using fine-toothed combs before treatment and from the used towels after treatment of children in Wulai, Chienshih, Hsiulin, and Jenai Districts. Each child was found infested with a mean of 7.7 lice. The mean intensity of infestation was highest in Jenai (9.3) and Chienshih (8.7) came next. Wulai (3.7) and Hsiulin (3.6) had lower intensities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lice Infestations / drug therapy
  • Lice Infestations / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander*
  • Pediculus / drug effects
  • Prevalence
  • Racial Groups
  • Taiwan / epidemiology