What common term refers to a lice infestation?

The term that commonly refers to a lice infestation is "cooties." This colloquial term has been used especially in children's vernacular to describe the discomfort and annoyance caused by lice, particularly in school settings where infestations can spread easily among children. Lice are small, wingless insects that thrive on human hair and can cause itching and irritation.

Understanding the implications of lice infestations is important, especially in public health and sanitation contexts. It's key for sanitarians to recognize the significance of addressing infestations effectively, including promoting proper hygiene practices and educating communities about prevention and treatment.

In contrast, the other options relate to different conditions or infestations. Chicken pox is a viral infection characterized by an itchy rash, while scabies is an infestation caused by mites leading to severe itching. Fleas are external parasites that infest animals and can affect humans but are distinct from lice. All these terms refer to different issues and do not specifically denote lice infestations.