Local officials explain how to protect your child from the new “super” lice

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – They’re nasty little parasites that aren’t easy to get rid of, and now experts are saying it may be even harder to kill a new “super” strain of lice.

According to a study out of Southern Illinois University, there is a new super-strain of head lice that has become immune to most common treatments. The pesky parasites have already spread to 25 states in the U.S., and most recently have been found in Tennessee.

“When you hear words like super lice and super bug, people automatically assume that the worst is coming… and that’s just not the case.” said Alicia Whitley, the Pediatric Nurse Manager for Chattanooga Hamilton Co. Health Dept.

So far there haven’t been any cases of the super bug found in Chattanooga, and President of Notre Dame High School, George Valadie, said he plans to keep it that way, “Certainly Notre Dame is not immune to the problem, but we hope that they know you shouldn’t swap combs and brushes and all of that sort of thing. And certainly if we become aware we’ll let our families know.”

“You might have a lice infestation that you try to treat over the counter, and it doesn’t work,” said Whitley, “And so then you’d need to see your physician, and see about getting something that’s more prescription based treatment rather than an over the counter treatment.”

But if a child does happen to become a victim of these super bugs, experts urge parents not to panic, and immediately seek medical attention.

“A big thing to remember is it’s not gonna hurt them,” said Whitley, “It’s not a disease, it’s an annoyance, it is a pain to take care of but it’s not going to spread a disease to your child.”

The Chattanooga Hamilton Co. Health Dept. also offers head lice checks, along with medical advice, on a daily basis.