A disturbing video of a tricycle driver with a severe head lice infestation has been circulating on social media, raising concerns among Filipino netizens.

Onipa also urged fellow drivers to maintain proper hygiene, given their daily interactions with numerous passengers.

In the clip, lice are visibly crawling on the driver’s neck and shirt, illustrating an extreme case of infestation.

Dr. Jay Recasata from Faces and Curves noted that such infestations can cause significant discomfort. “Head lice infestation is contagious. It thrives at the base of hair follicles, multiplies rapidly, and feeds on blood from the scalp. This can result in scalp wounds, potentially leading to bacterial infections,” he explained to the Filipino Times.

Dr. Recasata mentioned that treatment is straightforward, requiring only a specialized shampoo costing around P500 per bottle. However, if left untreated, Dr. Enrique Collantes of Derma Clinic warned that severe lice infestations could lead to anemia and malnutrition due to blood loss from the lice.

The National Health Service reports that head lice spread through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items like combs, brushes, or hats. Lice can also survive briefly on furniture, bedding, and towels, further facilitating their spread.

To prevent lice infestations, it is recommended to wash clothes and bedding in hot water, vacuum floors, and soak hair brushes in hot water for five to ten minutes. These preventive steps can help maintain a lice-free environment.

Maintaining good hygiene is especially important for those who have regular contact with others, such as drivers and commuters.