Pinworms
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Pinworms
Pinworm infection is the most common intestinal worm infection in the United States. Pinworms are most often found in preschool and school-aged children and their parents. These small worms are found in the human intestine and crawl out of the rectum at night to lay eggs on the anal area.
Cause
Enterobius vermicularis, a parasite.
Symptoms
Itching of the anal area (especially at night), irritability, and disturbed sleep.
Spread
Pinworms are spread when uninfected people touch the anal area of an infected person (e.g., during diaper changing) or handle contaminated pajamas, underwear, or bedding and then touch their mouth. Spread can also occur when infected people do not wash their hands well after scratching the anal area and then touch food or other objects, which are then eaten or touched by an uninfected person. Pinworms do not come from pets – only from other people.
Incubation
It takes 2 to 8 weeks from the time a person is exposed until symptoms start.
Contagious Period
As long as eggs are present. Eggs can cause infection even when they have been outside the body for as long as 2 to 3 weeks.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: None.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if they suspect pinworms. The whole family may need to be examined.
Treatment
Usually medication is given in a single dose at the time of diagnosis and then another dose is given in two weeks.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after using the toilet, after contact with the anal area, handling bedding or underclothing, and before eating or preparing food. Use a fingernail brush when washing hands.
- Discourage children from scratching or touching bare anal area and from biting their nails. Encourage children to keep their nails short.
- For several days after treatment, all bedding and underclothing should be handled carefully, should not be shaken, and should be laundered promptly.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Pinworms Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Pinworms
Pinworms are small worms that live in the human intestine (gut) and crawl out at night to lay eggs in the anal area.
If you think your child has Pinworms:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
No.
- Child Care and School:
Symptoms
Your child may have itching of the anal area, especially at night. Your child may be fussy and wake often at night.
If your child is infected, it may take 2 to 8 weeks for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By touching the anal area of an infected person. This can happen while changing a diaper.
- By handling contaminated pajamas, underwear, or bedding.
- By having contact with contaminated food, objects, or surfaces.
Contagious Period
As long as eggs are present. Eggs can cause infection even after being off of the body for 2 to 3 weeks.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If you suspect pinworms. The whole family may need to be examined. Your doctor may prescribe a medication.
Prevention
- Wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers and before preparing food or eating. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Avoid scratching or touching bare anal area or biting nails. Keep nails short.
- Clean and disinfect any objects that come in contact with feces. This includes toilets (potty chairs), sinks, toys, and diaper changing areas.
- Wash every morning (a shower is best) using a fresh washcloth and towel. Wear clean underwear each day. Handle sheets, blankets, and underwear of infected children carefully. Avoid shaking the items and wash dirty laundry promptly.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.