Can Head Lice Kill? How a Severe Infestation Led to an Odisha Girl’s Death

A 12-year-old girl died at a hospital in Odisha’s Puri after developing severe complications suspected to be linked to an acute lice infestation, prompting health authorities to order a detailed probe. Identified as Lakshmipriya Sahoo of Champagada Sahi under Balanga block, the girl was a student of class 6 at a local school. Her family said Lakshmipriya has suffered from severe lice infestation for the past few months. Despite several attempts at treatment, her condition did not improve. Lakshmipriya began vomiting blood, after which her parents rushed her to the hospital, where she was prescribed medicines for lice treatment and to control her vomiting. However, her condition deteriorated, and she could not be saved. Lakshmipriya’s mother,

Satyabhama, said initially she used to cover her head with a scarf when going to school. But for the last few days, a strong foul smell emanated from her scalp, forcing her to stop attending classes. “I asked her to shave her head, but she refused,” Satyabhama told Times of India.

Probe ordered into Lashmipriya’s death

According to TOI, Puri chief district medical officer Dr Akshay Satapathy has ordered an enquiry into the death, saying she could have either had an adverse reaction to medication used for treatment or due to septicaemia from a severe scalp infection. “Repeated scratching can cause wounds on the scalp, which may cause infection. If not treated in time, such infections can spread and become fatal,” he said, adding that the exact cause of death can be determined only after a detailed investigation. Experts believe a secondary infection, including sepsis, can develop due to lice infestation, which is life-threatening. Four years ago, a teenager from Georgia died due to cardiac arrest, suffering from severe anemia resulting in extensive head lice infestation – a case highlighted in the journal Clinics in Dermatology.

Can head lice be life-threatening?

While head lice are typically harmless nuisances, extreme, untreated, and prolonged infestations can, in very rare cases, be life-threatening. The main danger stems from severe, chronic iron-deficiency anaemia caused by thousands of lice feeding on blood, which can lead to critical health issues. Key risks and consequences include:

Severe anemia

A heavy, long-term infestation can lead to significant blood loss, causing iron deficiency anaemia, which has been associated with at least one reported fatality.

Secondary infections

Intense scratching of the scalp can lead to open sores, which may become infected by bacteria, causing swelling, pain, and fever.Also read: The Lancet Warns Obesity Triples Rate of Deaths from Seasonal Flu Globally; What It Means for India

Vulnerable populations

These severe outcomes are generally linked to extreme, untreated cases, often in people with severe mental health conditions, a lack of access to hygiene, or self-neglect. Other Symptoms: Apart from the risks of severe, untreated cases, lice cause itching, scalp irritation, and sleep disruption.

How to get rid of lice if you have them?

Depending on the severity of the infestation, a doctor may recommend either an over-the-counter or prescription method for lice treatment. A few other options include:

• Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels at 130°F (54°C) or higher if you or someone in your household has lice
• Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and mattresses
• Sealing unwashable items, such as stuffed animals, in a plastic bag for a month