This could possibly be the worst head lice infestation ever.

A video posted on YouTube shows someone – presumably a parent – pulling a nit comb through a child’s dark hair.

The person then lifts the comb to the camera and as it comes into focus dozens of lice are seen crawling around.


Head lice, tiny insects also known as pediculosis capitis, feed on blood from biting the scalp.

Dr Alejandra Perotti, a lecturer at the University of Reading’s School of Biological Sciences, confirmed the critters were indeed headlice.

She added that the shear number of them on just one swipe of the comb made this a particularly severe case.



‘They [infestations] are very common in the UK and in Europe, but not to this level,’ she told MailOnline.

‘I work in forensic sciences and these types of cases are found in cases of neglect of children or the elderly.

‘You also see it in cases of homeless people.’

Earlier this year, there were fears selfies could be helping them spread.

MORE: Group selfies could lead to spread of head lice