How Many Head Lice Are in the World?

Depending on the source, about six to twelve million people in the world are infested with head lice. They are more common in developing countries, but are also endemic in the United States. According to estimates, six to twelve million people in the US are infested each year, but many of those cases do not get reported to public health officials.

Head lice are widespread and infest people of all ages and socioeconomic levels, regardless of gender. They do not transmit communicable diseases and live in hair that is kept clean. Infestation rates vary from country to country, depending on the social structure of the country. In some countries, head lice are socially unacceptable, while in others, the condition is simply considered to be a nuisance.

The most common age group for catching head lice is children from three to twelve years of age. Although many children do not display any symptoms of head lice, it is best to get treated as soon as possible to avoid any complications. Head lice do not cause any serious health problems, but they can cause itching and skin infections.

According to the World Health Organization, head lice are widespread in the world. In some countries, the prevalence of head lice varies from zero to more than sixty percent. The prevalence of head lice is higher in females. Moreover, a recent study in South Africa challenged the widely-held belief that head lice infestation is related to socioeconomic status. In fact, in a study conducted in South Africa, head lice infestation was found only in white pupils.