Word: pediculus
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...louse, known as Pediculus capitis, is the size of a pinhead: it lays its eggs, or nits, on hair follicles and lives by sucking blood from the scalp. With generally improving personal hygiene, pediculosis has been waning for many years, and the fine-tooth combs (used to rake lice out of the hair) once found in most households with children have become a rarity. But outbreaks occur at unpredictable times and places. Anderson's epidemic was unusual because it was citywide, and many teachers became, literally, nitpickers...