Hi Fred, Yeah, this explanation of plica polonica gave me a whole new appreciation of easy access to clean water. It also gave me a whole different perspective on why school systems are so vigilant about head lice in little kids. I mean, of course, they don't want any contagious conditions to spread in the classroom, but I had no idea of the far-reaching implications of this condition. (I have to wonder if the ongoing focus is left over from earlier decades when this was a more serious threat to public health in the U.S.) I'd be equally fascinated to gain more insight into the gamut of diseases that might have caused so many of my ancestors to die of "fever." Well, off to shampoo now! Barbara Proko <<Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:50:12 -0500 From: "Fred Hoffman" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [POLAND] plica polonica (koltun) as cause of death To: <[email protected]> Barbara Proko mentioned this link for an overview of plica polonica: http://www.nuvoforheadlice.com/Plica.htm It's fascinating to find reading that is both fascinating and revolting. The little hair I have left on my head drives me crazy if I don't wash it at least every other day -- I can't imagine letting it go long enough to develop this condition! But I've long wondered just how this was a "cause of death," and now I understand that a lot better. So thanks, Barbara, for this link. Now I just have to resist this urge to shave my head.... Fred Hoffman>>

Good one, Barbara! I think we're all itching a bit more now ! And to think that I elected not to shampoo this morning for lack of time ! ! Sandy