MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell is dealing with an outbreak of head lice.

The Daily Republic reports the school has sent students an email describing lice as "sesame seed-sized bugs." The school is leaving treatment up to students and is advising them to check for egg/nit sacks that are firmly attached to the hair follicle.

Lice are parasitic insects that can be found on people's heads and bodies, and survive by feeding on human blood.

Lori Essig is the university's vice president of marketing and communications. She says the outbreak was discovered during the last week of September.

Essig wouldn't say how many students have been affected, but she says the school appears to be "winning the battle" against the insects.

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