Pediculosis capitis in Benghazi, Libya. A school survey.

A school survey of pediculosis capitis in Benghazi, Libya, revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of 78.6%. The percentage of infestation was 67.2% for boys and 88.1% for girls. It was more frequent in schools located in rural areas (85.55%) as compared with those in urban areas (44.28%). There was no significant difference in infestation in younger and older children of either sex. Besides other factors for such a high prevalence, the lack of health education of family members may play a crucial role in transference and louse infestation.