Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations are prevalent among young children and generally not considered a health hazard. Although massive chronic head lice infestations have been documented in paleo medical… Click to show full abstract
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations are prevalent among young children and generally not considered a health hazard. Although massive chronic head lice infestations have been documented in paleo medical literature, their association with severe iron deficiency anemia has been rarely discussed in modern medicine. A recently published case implicating a head lice infestation as the cause of death of a 12-year-old girl brings this topic to the fore. This contribution discusses the available information concerning the circumstances under which this girl died and the ongoing criminal investigation as a springboard for discussion of how head lice infestations may serve as forensic and legal evidence and as a warning sign of mental illness, abuse, neglect, and rape.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.