HEALTH experts have responded to a panic about a rise in cases of head lice by compiling a fact sheet for schools.

East Lancashire Health Authority sent out the guidelines on treatment on Friday.

Dr Roberta Marshall, consultant in communicable disease control, said: "We are aware there is a lot of concern in the community and along with other professionals we have been receiving many more calls than usual about the problem.

"The cases are not higher in any one area but are being reported from all over East Lancashire."

Dr Marshall has denied that a new breed of "super bug" is causing the increase in cases. "We know from experts working in the field that head lice become resistant to certain treatments," she explained.

"For this reason we rotate the products every three years."

The authority hopes the new guidelines will dismiss any myths still surrounding the problem and also advise people how to treat the lice.

"Schools are not to blame. Head lice are a community problem and affect people of all ages.

"When a person is found to have head lice thought should be given to anybody who may have come into close contact with them and they should also be included in the treatment.

"Good grooming in often the best way of keeping lice under control and special detector combs are available at chemists."

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