“PINWORMS” are tiny parasitic worms that live in the large intestine, and are common in school-aged children. The female worms lay their eggs around the anus at night. Pinworms are spread through the fecal-oral route. This happens when an uninfected person touches items contaminated with pinworm eggs (such as: toys, bedding, clothing, toilet seats, and tub baths), or the anal area of an infected person (during diaper changing), and then touches their mouth without first washing their hands. An infected person can spread pinworms by scratching the anal area, then contaminating food or other objects, which are then eaten or touched by uninfected persons. Re-infection within a household is common. Pinworms do not live in dogs or cats.
SYMPTOMS: Theses include anal itching, sleeplessness, irritability, and anal irritation due to scratching. Pinworms may also be present without symptoms.
CONTAGIOUS PERIOD:Pinworms can be spread as long as either worms or eggs are present. Eggs can survive up to 2 weeks outside the human body.
TREATMENT:A physician must be seen. Medication will be prescribed. In some cases the entire family will be treated to prevent re-infection.
PREVENTION: