<Tr> <Td_colspan="3">--Janis Hootman, 2002 </Td> </Tr> <P> The number of cases of human louse infestations (or pediculosis) has increased worldwide since the mid-1960s, reaching hundreds of millions annually . It is estimated between 1 and 20% of specific groups in Europe are infected . </P> <P> Despite improvements in medical treatment and prevention of human diseases during the 20th century, head louse infestation remains stubbornly prevalent . In 1997, 80% of American elementary schools reported at least one outbreak of lice . Lice infestation during that same period was more prevalent than chickenpox . </P> <P> About 6--12 million children between the ages of 3 and 11 are treated annually for head lice in the United States alone . High levels of louse infestations have also been reported from all over the world, including Israel, Denmark, Sweden, U.K., France, and Australia . </P>

Who was the first person to have head lice