Changing Demographics and Prevalence of Body Lice among Homeless Persons, Marseille, France

Abstract

The prevalence of body lice among 2,288 sheltered homeless persons in the city of Marseille during 2000–2017 was 12.2% and significantly decreased over time. We report a positive association between body lice infestations and older age, duration of stays in France for migrants, frequent consumption of alcohol, and tobacco smoking.

Keywords

• Homeless
• body lice
• louse
• delousing
• risk factors
• alcohol