Like clockwork, colds and viruses begin making their rounds through Alabama families after students return to school but U.S investigators warn that drug-resistant lice are headed our way.

At least twenty-five states host lice populations that have mutated and no longer respond to over-the-counter medications which contain Permethrin. Assistant professor at Southern Illinois University, Kyong Yoon, said Permethrin-based products were introduced in the 90's and the first problem was registered in 1995. Yoon called the findings a 'classic resistance story'. Researchers found 100 percent resistance in 104 out of 109 lice populations that were tested and one scientist said the results were 'alarming'.

As many as 12 million U.S. children are infested with head lice every year and almost $350 million dollars spent annual on treatments.

However, there is good news: prescription medications that don't contain Permethrin remain effective against lice but prescriptions may be pricier.

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