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Related Experiment Videos

Do head lice spread in swimming pools?

Deon Canyon1, Richard Speare

  • 1School of Public Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia. deon.canyon@jcu.edu.au

International Journal of Dermatology
|November 9, 2007
PubMed
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Head lice can survive water immersion, but transmission via swimming pools is unlikely. Studies show lice remain viable after submersion in various water types, with no observed transfer during pool use.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are a common public health concern.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential transmission routes, including swimming pools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the viability and transmission potential of head lice in swimming pool water.
  • To assess head lice survival rates after submersion in different aqueous solutions.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro experiments submerged head lice in various water conditions (deionized, sea, salt, chlorinated) for 20 minutes.
  • A field trial involved naturally infected individuals swimming in a chlorinated pool for 30 minutes.

Main Results:

  • Head lice entered a temporary stasis when submerged but recovered and fed after removal.

Related Experiment Videos

  • No mortality was observed in head lice within 4 hours post-submersion.
  • The field trial showed no lice loss or head-to-head transfer among swimmers.

    • Conclusions:

    • Head lice can survive immersion in water, including chlorinated pool water.
    • Transmission of head lice through swimming pool water is highly unlikely.
    • Current evidence does not support swimming pools as a significant vector for head lice transmission.