An official from the Ministry of Health denied reports about the closure of some schools due to a lice outbreak. Mohammad Zeynali, head of the Water and Foodborne Diseases Management Group at the Ministry of Health, stated that lice infestation is not an infection or disease. On Sunday, January 6, he told the IRNA news agency that this is a controllable infestation and there is no need to close schools. The Hamshahri newspaper reported a few weeks ago that the incidence of lice among students has increased, forcing some schools to hold classes online. Hamshahri also reported numerous advertisements for 'anti-lice medications and lice specialists.' However, Mohammad Zeynali told IRNA, 'This year's outbreak is not significantly different from previous years.' According to this health official, lice infestation is a 'common issue' and is more frequently observed during specific times of the year, especially from the beginning of the school year in September. The report stated that approximately 600,000 to 700,000 cases of lice are reported annually in Iran, 'but this number could be higher.' Previously, Alireza Raisi, Deputy Minister of Health, also denied the closure of schools due to lice outbreaks, stating, 'Lice do not spread during this time of year.' Azam Goudarzi, director general of the Health and Wellness Office at the Ministry of Education, mentioned that screening students' heads is a priority for health care in schools, and students with lice problems are privately discussed with their parents.
Ministry of Health Denies School Closures Due to Lice Outbreak
The Iranian Ministry of Health has denied reports of school closures due to a lice outbreak, stating that lice infestation is controllable and not a disease. This comes amidst rising concerns and reports of increased lice cases among students, leading to some schools conducting online classes.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Health has denied reports of school closures due to a lice outbreak, asserting that lice infestation is manageable and not a disease. This follows rising concerns about increased lice cases among students, which led some schools to consider online classes.
- Approximately 600,000 to 700,000 cases of lice are reported annually in Iran.
- Lice infestations are more common at the beginning of the school year.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Lice infestations are common in many countries, particularly among school-aged children, and are often viewed as a nuisance rather than a serious health threat. The Iranian government has a history of addressing public health issues with a focus on maintaining educational continuity.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%