Spread through direct or airborne contact with saliva, phlegm, or articles soiled by the sick child. Contagious from four days before to four days after rash appears. Siblings may continue to attend school or daycare as long as they are immunized or immune. If they have not been immunized, they may need a measles vaccine or immune globulin. Live lice are tiny wingless insects that crawl into the hair.
Nits are tiny egg-shaped deposits which are firmly attached to the hair.
Symptoms appear eight to ten days after exposure. Contagious until treated and nits are gone. Siblings may continue to go to school or daycare as long as they are not infected. Cold-like symptoms with irritating cough. Coughing is prolonged and severe, and it may be characterized by a high-pitched whoop or crowing.