Consequences of lice or why are lice dangerous?

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Svetlana Tarasova

Hairdresser-stylist with more than 8 years of experience, expert in the field of haircuts, styling, hair care, coloring.
Lice are one of the most dangerous parasites for humans. In addition to the discomfort from constant itching, small blood-sucking insects are capable of carrying a number of infectious diseases, which, if not treated in a timely manner, can be fatal. During a bite, the louse injects active enzymes into the puncture to thin the blood. The immune system may react inadequately to insect venom - antibodies often attack healthy cells of the body, leading to an allergic reaction. This outcome is especially dangerous for preschool children.

How can you get infected and the symptoms of head lice?

The louse infects the scalp and covers a distance of up to 35 cm in a minute. At this speed, the parasite quickly crawls from a sick person to a healthy one. The insect is capable of crawling only on a rough surface . Its exoskeleton is not equipped with the necessary growths, so the louse does not move on smooth objects.

Head lice infection occurs when visiting public places:

• hospitals;
• camps;
• swimming pool;
• transport;
• shopping centers;
• clothing stores;
• schools, universities, office.

Transmission of a parasitic disease is possible when using other people's personal hygiene items or clothing: combs, towels, hats . Infection can occur if you spend the night in a bed where a sick person slept less than 24 hours ago.

IMPORTANT. Parasites can live outside the human body for some time. If placed in water, they can survive 48 hours without food. During this period, insects must find a person without a headdress.

Lice can be detected with the naked eye. They can be confused with dandruff, but when squeezed by the nail plates, the insect's exoskeleton collapses and makes a specific crunch. Other symptoms of pudiculosis are:

• the presence of eggs and adults on the skin , scalp, clothing;
• severe itching , which occurs due to numerous parasite bites and an allergic reaction of the body;
• skin irritation in different parts of the body , dermatitis;
• infectious diseases appearing as a result of parasitic infestation;
• the appearance of ulcers on the head and body.

High intensity itching is observed with body lice bites, mild irritation occurs when infected with pubic parasites . Over time, a person gets used to the bites and they become less sensitive. Lice reproduce at a high rate, so if at least one family member is affected, it is necessary to inspect the head and clothing of everyone present for the presence of lice.

Why do lice appear?

Many people have the wrong opinion about the causes of head lice. In fact, the only reason parasites appear on the head and in other places is when an insect or nit gets onto a person’s hairline from another person.

Lice do NOT appear on children or adults:

• From nerves;
• Due to improper lifestyle;
• From other diseases;
• Due to the use of hair cosmetics;
• From the evil eye in a child or adult.

But you should not assume that pediculosis is transmitted only “from head to head.” Lice can live up to a week without food, so a patient can infect loved ones through shared bedding, towels, combs or hats. Also, some species can survive in water for a long time, so in public pools there is a chance to “catch” an insect. You need to check your child especially carefully, since children are most likely to become infected.

The greatest chances of getting lice are:

• While studying in kindergarten and school - where there are many children.
• During long trips by train or bus.
• After visiting spontaneous markets, swimming pools, saunas, concerts.

During periods when a person cannot maintain personal hygiene, lice spread at a faster rate. Therefore, it is generally accepted that lice are an eternal companion of wars and disasters, and lice literally “dream” of those who survived these troubles.

What happens if you don't remove lice?

In the absence of timely treatment, pediculosis will gradually become chronic . The colony of parasites will begin to grow, and the number of bites will increase. The skin will begin to thicken, and bruises will appear in the areas where lice live. The bites will no longer be painful, and the rash will become tolerable.

As the colony grows, the risk of contracting an infectious disease increases . The development of pyoderma, a purulent-inflammatory skin lesion, is possible.

Long-term danger: chronic pediculosis

The increased danger of pediculosis is hidden in the chronic course of the disease. If left untreated for a long time, the skin becomes rough and scabby. Numerous bites from a large number of parasites join together, acquiring a solid brown tint.

The chronic course assumes the presence of different types of blood-sucking insects in the “host”. The body adapts to the symptoms and stops responding to itching. Chronic pediculosis is typical for people living in unfavorable conditions.

Lack of proper treatment (poor quality), repeated infections aggravated the problem. The risk of serious illness increases significantly. Chronic pediculosis continues until the insect population (including dry nits) is completely eliminated, the threat of new infection is eliminated, and the manifestations are stopped.

The best prevention of head lice and associated diseases is hygiene, limiting close contacts with strangers, and timely diagnosis. Only in this case you won’t have to think about more serious diseases. Then it will be pointless to figure out whether lice are dangerous.

Effective methods and remedies against lice and nits:

How dangerous are lice on the head for humans and the harm of nits?

The head louse becomes dangerous when the colony grows large . In addition to discomfort, pain and itching occurs at the bite sites. The louse punctures the mouth with needles and releases enzymes into the wound that cause an allergic reaction. Parasitic infestation is accompanied by the development of inflammation of the skin on the scalp. When an infection occurs at the site of the bite, an abscess appears.

As the itching increases, the person begins to scratch, damaging the thin skin. As a result, the skin peels off and becomes overgrown with scabs. The nutrition of the hair follicles deteriorates and the hair becomes brittle. In addition, constant itching and migration of parasites lead to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. The patient's sleep is disturbed, a feeling of anxiety arises, performance decreases and concentration deteriorates.

How do lice appear?

Head parasites

They parasitize on the back of the head or temples, in some cases they affect the entire head. Their lifespan is about 5 weeks. Every day a louse lays up to 10 nits. The bite is accompanied by severe itching. If you constantly scratch the affected areas, there is a high risk of infection of the wounds, which can be fraught with serious dermatological problems.

Clothes parasites

Pubic parasites

They live on almost all parts of the body where there is hair, preferring the pubis, genitals and anus. Pubic insects can infest the beard, armpits, stomach, eyebrows and even sometimes climb onto the head.

They live for about 20 days, during each of which they lay about 10 nits. After pubic lice appear on the body, in addition to creating itching, they leave small gray-blue spots at the bite sites.

What diseases do lice carry?

Small insects carry a number of infectious diseases:

• brucellosis;
• typhus;
• tuberculosis;
• listeriosis;
• salmonellosis;
• plague;
• tularemia;
• influenza viruses.

If symptoms of an infectious-inflammatory disease appear against the background of pediculosis, you should immediately seek medical help. It is possible to determine the type of pathology only after undergoing instrumental examinations and laboratory tests.

Can typhus be caused by lice?

Lice carry 2 types of typhus: relapsing and typhus.

Relapsing fever

Relapsing fever is carried by head and body lice. The pathological process is characterized by severe fever, which alternates with periods of remission. The infectious disease is caused by spirochetes or borrelia, which enter the human bloodstream when scratching wounds or lice bites.

Microorganisms enter the lymph, where they begin to actively multiply. After the bacterial colony grows, the spirochetes return to the bloodstream. As a result, borrelia cause disorders of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The following symptoms are observed:

• fever, accompanied by high temperature, vomiting, headaches;
• microinfarctions with the development of bleeding;
• dysfunction of the spleen and liver , which manifests itself in the form of jaundice and skin rash;
• heart and respiratory failure.

After recovery, stable immunity to re-development of the disease is not formed.

Typhus

Typhus develops when rickettsiae, which are carried by blood-sucking parasites, enter the bloodstream . Usually a person becomes infected from body lice; in rare cases, the temporary host of pathogenic bacteria is the head louse. The infection enters the bloodstream during an insect bite. Rickettsia causes warty endocarditis, which is characterized by thrombus formation followed by blockage of the affected vessel.

Typically, bacteria actively multiply in capillaries localized in the subcutaneous fat. Because of this, skin rashes occur.

REFERENCE. In rare cases, pathogenic microorganisms infect the arteries of the brain, causing the development of meningoencephalitis. After recovery, the human body develops strong immunity.

The incubation period lasts about 2 weeks. Symptoms appear unexpectedly:

• fever;
• clouding of consciousness, fainting;
• chills;
• severe headaches.

Typhus is dangerous due to the development of complications arising from the cardiovascular system.

Quintan

Volyn fever is carried by body lice . A person becomes infected when saliva or feces of an insect enters the bloodstream. The course of the disease occurs with alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. The incubation period lasts from 7 to 20 days. During this time, severe chills and fever are observed. A person suffers from pain in the eyes, aching pain in the joints and muscle weakness . Papules appear on the skin, the liver and spleen increase in size, and problems with blood vessels begin.

IMPORTANT. Volyn fever is not fatal. Recovery occurs suddenly.

Tularemia

Tularemia is carried not only by small rodents, but also by blood-sucking insects. With the development of an infectious disease against the background of pediculosis, the lymph nodes become enlarged, a rash and fever appear. There are signs of acute intoxication, characterized by vomiting and dizziness. In its external manifestations, tularemia is similar to the plague.

Chronic pediculosis

The danger arises when the acute form of pediculosis becomes chronic . In this case, you can notice a change in the structure of the epithelial tissue. The skin becomes rough and loses elasticity. The stratum corneum of dead cells thickens and a scab appears. Numerous wounds from insect bites cause redness of the skin. The body stops responding to itching.

Chronic pediculosis involves the growth of the colony. This disease is typical for people living in unfavorable environments. In the absence of necessary treatment and failure to comply with hygiene rules, there is a risk of developing dangerous diseases.

Do lice carry HIV and hepatitis?

The hepatitis virus and HIV infection begin to be destroyed when they enter the external environment. Even when the blood of an infected person is transferred to a new host, the parasite is not able to transmit dangerous diseases, because the viral RNA begins to instantly break down outside the body. In addition, lice do not inject the patient's blood into other people. Therefore, pathogens of dangerous pathologies such as HIV or hepatitis cannot be transmitted along with head lice.

Why are lice dangerous for children?

Children's bodies are more susceptible to insect poisons. Despite their small size, lice can inject toxic substances into the blood. The immune system of an adult easily copes with the pathogen and instantly eliminates it with the help of white blood cells. But the child’s immunity is weak - it is not able to produce the required amount of antibodies and adequately respond to the entry of a strong allergen into the body.

As a result, lice can provoke the development of a severe allergic reaction . The pathological process is accompanied by the appearance of skin rash, swelling, and itching. In rare cases, migraines, enlarged lymph nodes and anaphylactic shock may develop.

IMPORTANT. Lice are most dangerous for children who have not been up-to-date on vaccinations.
In the absence of vaccinations, a child quickly becomes infected with severe infections: tuberculosis, brucellosis, typhoid and other diseases.

Danger to child

Children suffer from head lice more than adults. Their fragile body is susceptible to disease and more often reacts with allergies to irritating factors.

Interesting!

Even a newborn baby can get lice. Considering how lice are transmitted, the parasites can be transmitted to him by his mother or older sisters and brothers.

Why is lice dangerous in children?

• disrupts sleep;
• leads to impaired concentration;
• makes the child restless;
• provokes the appearance of purulent wounds.

Discomfort from lice The disease prevents children from concentrating on their studies.
They become moody, often cry and complain of dizziness and severe itching. Unpleasant sensations can last up to three days after the insects are removed. Pediculosis in sensitive and vulnerable children can lead to fears:

• fear of insects – entomophobia;
• fear of parasites – parasitophobia.

A small person may feel as if someone is crawling on his skin, and any insect will begin to cause a panic attack.

Children under three years of age may react to lice with increased body temperature, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes. Insect waste products provoke allergies.

Lice - consequences and complications, is it possible to die from lice

Pediculosis not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to complications. The oral apparatus of parasites is a long tube with a sharp tip, thanks to which the louse easily pierces the epithelial layer of the skin and reaches the capillary vessels. At the moment of the bite, the insect injects special toxins into the wound.

The chemical compounds are digestive enzymes that inhibit the blood clotting system. The liquid cannot coagulate, so the insect calmly drinks blood for a long time. At the same time, these enzymes begin to irritate the skin, which provokes an immediate reaction from the immune system. A focus of inflammation appears, which becomes infected. Gradually, purulent exudate forms inside the puncture, and itchy ulcers appear on the skin.

Pediculosis can lead to the following unpleasant consequences:

• peeling of the scalp , dandruff formation;
• development of dermatitis, ulcers and hematomas in areas where parasite colonies grow;
• if an infection gets into the wound, it is possible to become infected with infectious diseases ;
• the appearance of boils, abscess, pyoderma;
• increases , sleep is disturbed, the person becomes irritable ;
• the immune system weakens , appetite decreases;
• hair condition worsens.

The unpleasant consequences of lice appear gradually. They appear in the absence of treatment. Pediculosis does not lead to death. But parasitic infestation can cause the development of infectious diseases that pose a threat to life in the absence of timely treatment.

Can hair fall out due to lice?

Lice belong to a group of blood-sucking insects that pierce the scalp and do not affect the hair follicles. Sores and skin irritation at the puncture sites can bleed and stop hair growth. At the same time, alopecia is not observed. Hair may become dull and brittle due to insufficient nutrition of the hair follicles, but it does not fall out.

Allergy to lice

During a bite, blood-sucking parasites inject digestive enzymes into the wound to prevent the blood from clotting. These toxic compounds cause local irritation, causing the immune system to produce antibodies. In people predisposed to developing allergies, itching begins all over the body, a rash and red spots appear on the skin. In some cases, an anaphylactic reaction may occur.

Temperature for pediculosis

A high temperature with pediculosis means that an infection has entered the wound and a generalized inflammatory process has begun . The immune system begins to produce antibodies that attack pathogenic microorganisms. The thermoregulatory center in the brain raises body temperature to suppress the growth and further reproduction of bacteria. If you have a temperature above +38°C, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Rat plague: in the Middle Ages, last century and today

According to historians, the bubonic plague pandemic, which swept across the civilized world in the 6th century AD, killed more than 100 million people. Some experts believe that this outbreak was one of the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire.

In the 14th century (before 1325), during the second pandemic in Europe, more than 25 million people died from the plague - more than a third of its population, and the echoes of this outbreak swept across Russia, the Middle East and North Africa for several more decades, killing hundreds in different countries. thousand lives. And rats also played a decisive role here.

In the 18th century, during the reign of Empress Catherine the Great, more than 56 thousand people died from the plague in Moscow alone - it was because of the disease that the famous “plague” riot broke out.

In the 19th century, a plague pandemic broke out in Asia, spreading from China. Its echoes swept across all continents. More than 10 million people died then (about 6 million of them in India).

Finally, in 1910-1911, an outbreak of plague in Manchuria killed more than 60 thousand people.

Today, about 2,500 cases of plague are reported annually worldwide. Approximately 6-7% of them end in the death of patients.

As we can see, the plague is one of the most terrible diseases in the history of human civilization. And it was rats who introduced people to this infection.

The causative agent of the disease is transmitted from rats to humans by fleas, mainly rat fleas, less often - cat, dog, and human fleas. All of them can change hosts and bite alternately rats and people, but the bite of a rat flea is the most dangerous, since rats are the main hosts of this species. If different fleas parasitize one animal, then due to the peculiarities of biology, it is the rat fleas that quickly displace all competitors.

Actually, the transfer of a plague stick from a rat to a person occurs like this:

1. The flea sucks the rat's blood containing the pathogen;
2. Bacteria accumulate in the insect's crop without penetrating the stomach, multiply in huge quantities and clog the esophagus;
3. With the next bite, the flea cannot swallow a portion of blood and regurgitates a lump of mucus with plague bacilli into the wound. This is how a person or animal becomes infected.

Due to problems with ingesting blood, the infected flea is constantly hungry and often changes hosts. Therefore, the likelihood that she will try to feed on a person increases.

In Russia, only one case of plague has been reported in recent years: in 2021, a ten-year-old boy fell ill in Altai. The disease is mainly found today in the countries of tropical Africa and South America; marmot hunters in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and Mongolia are rarely but regularly infected with it. The risk of a disease outbreak is highest where rats live in and around human housing and come into contact with wild vectors.

Other types of lice and the diseases they carry

Parasitic infestation in humans by lice is of three types:

• head lice, which form colonies on the scalp;

  

• body lice, settling on clothes;

  

• pubic lice - living in the genital area.

  

Lice lay eggs only in their habitats. To reproduce, they need a temperature of at least +15°C. The larvae hatch within a week and replenish the existing parasite colony. The lifespan of adults is about 40 days.

What disease does the body louse carry?

The body louse is the largest parasite compared to the head and pubic insects of its species. She hides in the seams and folds of clothing, where she lays eggs. These are dangerous parasites that carry dangerous diseases: typhus and relapsing fever, Volyn fever, tuberculosis. When bitten, the probability of transmitting infection is more than 80%.

Body lice is accompanied by the development of unbearable itching that spreads throughout the body . Rashes occur over the entire surface of the skin. At the sites of healing of ulcers, pigment spots appear, which, if left untreated, acquire a bluish tint.

With parasitic infestation, an increase in temperature and signs of intoxication appear:

• headache;
• weakness;
• increased fatigue, loss of performance;
• nausea.

When a large area of ​​skin suppurates, the patient’s psycho-emotional state worsens.

Phthiriasis or lice pubis

Pediculosis pubis affects the groin area where pubic hair grows . The rashes are localized near the genital organs, on the mucous membranes of the anus. With a long course of the disease, the hair in the armpits is affected, and lice get on the eyelashes and eyebrows. The area of ​​phthiriasis is very itchy, and there is a burning sensation on the genitals. When the eyelashes are damaged, the eyes begin to itch.

Quintan

Volyn fever got its name from its territorial location. The disease was described in Volyn in 1915. The source of infection is a sick person. The carrier is the human louse.

The disease manifests itself as fever, chills, weakness, pain throughout the body, even in the eyes. Paroxysmal course lasts about 6 weeks.

This disease ultimately had a favorable course.

What medications can be used to remove lice?

Drugs that have proven themselves to be positive are sold in pharmacies and are freely available. Remove parasites using:

• Medifox;
• A – Pair;
• Phenotrina;
• Couple – Plus;
• Pedilina;
• Pediculina.

After using the chemical, the hair is combed with a fine comb. Involve your family in the procedure to remove dead specimens. It is impossible to carry out the manipulation on your own.

Choose only effective remedies against head lice. The drugs are toxic. Having chosen the wrong remedy, a person tries another method, then a third, and so on, until the bloodsuckers die out.

Remember: no chemical product guarantees instant results.

It is important to carry out both chemical and mechanical treatment

Everything that gets on the skin penetrates the blood. Take special responsibility when removing lice from a child.

Avoid:

• Kerosene;
• Dichlorvos;
• Diesel fuel;
• Tar soap.

The latter is powerless in the fight against insects. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It's no use cutting your hair. The nits are attached closer to the root; if you cut your hair, it will be bald.

Linen parasites are very small and it is impossible to remove them manually. To combat body lice, proceed as follows:

• All linen is washed at high temperature;
• Heavily contaminated items are burned;
• Washed linen is ironed.

It is important to prevent relapse. Iron things regularly

Only by applying high temperature is it possible to get rid of small insects.

Complications of pediculosis

Pediculosis is dangerous due to complications. Scratching can lead to infection and suppuration. Scratching in children is especially dangerous.

Trying to eliminate the itching with dirty hands, the child introduces an infection into the wound. Microbes penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and then into the blood.

Inflammation of the affected area develops, often accompanied by a purulent course.

After ulcers, healthy tissue is replaced by connective tissue, scars appear.

With pediculosis, dermatitis develops - an unpleasant disease accompanied by itching and the appearance of erosive skin lesions.

It is very difficult to cure dermatitis on your own; entrust therapeutic measures to a dermatologist.

How to fight the parasite and possible treatments?

If the diagnosis is confirmed, all clothes, bed linen and towels must be washed at +90°C. In such conditions, not only lice die, but also pathogenic microorganisms carried by parasites. If lice were discovered in winter, it is recommended to take the washed bed linen to the cold. Nits also die at temperatures below -5°C. It is necessary to disinfect combs, elastic bands and hair clips with alcohol or rinse with boiling water.

To combat parasites, 2 treatment methods are used:

1. Mechanical. Rinsing your hair with hot water and tar soap or shampoo, rinsing long hair at a temperature of +55°C. Blow dry for half an hour, comb with a wire brush.

   

2. Chemical. Treatment of the scalp with an insecticide followed by combing out the parasites.

   

The disinsection preparation must be prescribed by the attending physician. A specialist will help you determine the dosage and duration of use of the drug. It is not recommended to purchase medications on your own due to the high risk of side effects if the drug is taken incorrectly. Doctors usually prescribe permethrin-based medications: Medifox, Nittifor. These are the least toxic drugs for humans. In some cases, Para-Plus aerosol is additionally used. But it contains the organophosphate substance malathion, which has a negative effect on the liver.

IMPORTANT. Along with drug therapy, it is necessary to wash your hair with a special shampoo. The drugs should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation, or in children under 3 years of age. In such situations, use shampoo to clean the hair or resort to a mechanical method of getting rid of lice.

You cannot use the same drug or shampoo to treat head lice more than 3 times. When washing your hair with insecticide, you need to wear gloves. After using the product, it is necessary to comb out dead parasites and their eggs at least 2 times a day. After using shampoo, you should not wash your hair for 48 hours.

What home treatments are most effective?

Pediculosis can be treated at home, but you need to decide on a way to combat the parasites. The pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of shampoos and preparations that effectively fight lice. For self-treatment you must:

• isolate the patient for the duration of treatment;
• choose an acceptable remedy (folk or from a pharmacy);
• carefully study the method of use and instructions;
• adhere to the dosage for children and adults;
• use the drug carefully, avoiding contact with eyes;
• Thoroughly rinse the product from your hair.

Any anti-lice product requires careful use - it contains insecticides with a very pungent odor. It is important to maintain the concentration of the drug. For children under 2 years of age and pregnant women, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor. Treatment of affected areas is carried out following certain rules:

• carry out an allergy test (apply a little product to your wrist, check after 2 hours for irritation);
• the procedure must be carried out in a ventilated area;
• distribute the composition along the entire length of the hair, excluding contact with the eyes and exposed skin (it is better to use a protective visor);
• put a cap made of a plastic bag on your head in order to create greenhouse conditions;
• withstand the necessary time;
• rinse the mixture and rinse your hair with a vinegar solution;
• Take a fine-tooth comb and comb your hair to get rid of dead parasites.

Detected head lice requires immediate treatment, as it progresses quickly and is transmitted to others. To combat lice, products from the pharmacy based on insecticides or coating compositions are suitable: shampoos, gels, aerosols, ointments, sprays.

Chemicals affect the nervous system of parasites, causing their death. Pediculocides are allowed to be used by patients over 2 years of age. The drugs may contain the following substances:

• fenthion;
• malathion;
• permethrin;
• pyrethroids.

Preparations based on cyclomethicone or dimethicone are safer for humans. After application to the hair, the active substances of pediculocidal products block the insects' access to oxygen, creating a thin airtight film around them.

Mechanical means of combating head lice at home include combing. This method was used by our great-grandmothers. You will need a comb with sufficiently fine teeth so that parasites cannot slip through them.

Combing is done like this:

• wash your hair with regular shampoo;
• rinse clean hair with vinegar and water and dry;
• the person infected with lice should be seated with his back to the bathroom;
• first comb the back of the head, separating small strands;
• periodically wash the comb with vinegar;
• comb the entire head in this way.

The good thing about this method is that absolutely all patients can be cured - it does not cause allergic reactions. The negative point is that you can remove lice and get rid of pediculosis by performing such actions for several days in a row. For a month, it is necessary to repeat combing after each hair wash.

As for shaving the head, this method is not currently practiced. There are a large number of ways to combat parasites that allow you to preserve your hair.

Folk remedies

A person who has not encountered this problem is concerned with the question of where lice comes from and how they become infected with it. Pediculosis has been known to mankind since the days of ancient Egypt. There are a lot of folk remedies for fighting even advanced head lice. The most famous are:

1. Apply kerosene or turpentine with vegetable oil (1:1) to the roots of the hair, after which you need to put on a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then thoroughly rinse off the product, select or comb out nits.
2. Vinegar, lemon or cranberry juice destroys the structure of the eggs and kills the larvae.
3. Washing your hair with tar soap gives a good effect, but you need to do the procedure several times.
4. Hair dyeing at home can cope with parasites of the head type.
5. An infusion of burdock and elecampane is suitable for young children and expectant mothers. You need to wash your hair with this product.
6. The use of hydrogen peroxide is only suitable for adults, and the hair color may lighten by half a tone. Distribute peroxide diluted with water 1:1 over all hair and leave for 10 minutes. Then wash your hair with shampoo. Peroxide eats away parasites and their eggs.

We suggest you read: Where do flycatchers come from in an apartment?

Prevention of head lice

To prevent parasitic infestation, preventive measures should be taken:

• keep the apartment clean : carry out wet cleaning of the premises 2 times a week, regularly wash pets;
• prohibit children from wearing other people's things , inspect the child's scalp 1-2 times a month for the presence of parasites;
• wash and iron clothes, hats;
• take care of your hair : wash your hair, cut overgrown ends;
• change bed and underwear weekly.

Strict adherence to preventive measures can promptly prevent the appearance of lice, the development of pediculosis and reduce the risk of dangerous infectious pathologies.

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Helminth infections caused by rats and mice

There are few common types of helminths in humans and rats. There are two known types of tapeworms that parasitize rats and can pose a danger to humans, as well as one type of trichinella, the larvae of which, according to some studies, can also develop in the human body.

In fact, in developed countries there is no danger of transmission of helminths from rats to humans. This is due to the fact that both tapeworms and trichinella enter the human body with the meat of the first host. Simply put, in order to become infected with worms from a rat, you need to eat it, and before that, its meat should not be subjected to significant heat treatment, that is, it should be practically raw. For cultural reasons, this can only happen in very remote areas (for example, in tribes leading a semi-wild lifestyle).

Finally, the consequences of accidents caused by rats can be dangerous to humans. Thus, there are known cases of dams breaking due to the fact that rats literally riddled them with their holes. After this, houses located nearby were flooded.

And in 1989, half of New York sat without power for several hours when a rat shorted contacts at a distribution station and, burning itself, started a fire. The power to several lines was automatically turned off.

Chronicles of the Renaissance report cases where rats on ships spoiled food, and the crew starved while on the high seas. And relatively recently, at an airport in one of the Chinese cities, the engine of an airplane did not start because a rat had chewed through one of the hoses in the fuel supply system. It is not known how many victims this rodent could have caused if it had chewed through the same hose already during the flight...

And you should always remember that the most dangerous rats are not the mythical dog-sized mutants that no one has ever actually seen. The real threat to humans is posed by the timid small inhabitants of basements and entrances, often literally loaded with pathogens that are dangerous to humans. You need to stay as far away from them as possible, and if you find them near your home, deal with them diligently.