Pinworms (Enterobiasis)
Pinworms (Enterobiasis)
Pinworms (Enterobiasis)
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<strong>Pinworms</strong> (<strong>Enterobiasis</strong>)<br />
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES<br />
What are <strong>Pinworms</strong>?<br />
The pinworm is a common infection,<br />
especially in children.<br />
<strong>Pinworms</strong> are tiny white worms about a<br />
quarter of an inch long.<br />
They look like pieces of white thread.<br />
<strong>Pinworms</strong> live inside the bowels of people.<br />
What signs and symptoms can you<br />
have?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Not everyone has symptoms.<br />
Symptoms may take 1-2 months to develop<br />
after infection with the pinworm eggs.<br />
<strong>Pinworms</strong> can cause restlessness, itching and<br />
scratching around the anus.<br />
These symptoms may be worse at night.<br />
Sometimes worms can be seen around the<br />
anus or in the stool.<br />
How are <strong>Pinworms</strong> spread?<br />
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<br />
<strong>Pinworms</strong> lay eggs on the skin around the<br />
anus.<br />
Scratching the anus transfers eggs to the<br />
hands.<br />
A person becomes infected when they<br />
transfer the pinworm eggs to their mouth.<br />
An infected person can spread pinworms to<br />
others by touching their food or other items.<br />
The eggs fall onto clothing, bedding and the<br />
floor. The eggs can live there for up to 3<br />
weeks.<br />
If you handle articles that have the eggs<br />
attached, they can get onto your hands.<br />
How do you treat <strong>Pinworms</strong>?<br />
If you think you may have <strong>Pinworms</strong> see a<br />
doctor.<br />
If medication is prescribed, follow the<br />
instructions carefully.<br />
Notify child’s day care, school or babysitter.<br />
Bath children after treatment and just before<br />
returning to day care or school.<br />
Wash clothing, bed sheets and night clothes in<br />
hot water and dry in hot dryer at time of<br />
treatment.<br />
Vacuum the sleeping area for several days<br />
after treatment.<br />
How can you help prevent the<br />
spread of <strong>Pinworms</strong>?<br />
Good personal hygiene is the best protection<br />
against the spread of the disease. This<br />
includes:<br />
washing hands frequently<br />
keeping hands away from the nose, mouth<br />
and anus whenever possible<br />
not sharing personal items (e.g. towels,<br />
facecloths, bedding and clothing).<br />
Wash hands by rubbing well with soap and<br />
warm water for 15-20 seconds:<br />
after using the toilet<br />
before preparing or handling food<br />
before eating<br />
after changing a diaper.<br />
Use alcohol hand rub when soap and water are<br />
not available and hands are not visibly soiled.<br />
Keep fingernails clean and short. Do not bite<br />
finger nails.<br />
Avoid scratching of the anal area.<br />
CEAC 5002<br />
December 2012<br />
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How can you help prevent the<br />
spread of <strong>Pinworms</strong>? (Con’t.)<br />
Change and wash underclothes, night clothes<br />
and bed sheets frequently.<br />
Bath/shower everyday preferably in the<br />
morning.<br />
Clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces on a<br />
regular basis. Regular household cleaners may<br />
be used.<br />
For general information regarding a<br />
communicable disease contact a Public Health<br />
nurse at (306) 766-7790 or call the Provincial<br />
HealthLine at the toll-free number shown<br />
below.<br />
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