Kuna School Closing After Lice Outbreak

A southwestern Idaho school district is closing an elementary school due to an outbreak of head lice.

The Kuna School District closed Indian Creek Elementary Tuesday because more than 60 students and nine staff members have head lice.

District officials said the school was being closed for the day so it can be thoroughly cleaned and students and staffers can be treated. They plan to re-open the school Wednesday.

Head lice are small, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed. They live on the human scalp and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. They are spread by head-to-head contact or by sharing clothing or personal items like hats or brushes. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment.