Pinworm Symptoms, Treatments & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'CDC - Enterobiasis - General Information - Frequently Asked Questions.' _Centers for Disease Control and Prevention_, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Sept. 2020, cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/gen info/faqs.html
- 2. 'Pinworm Infection.' _Mayo Clinic_, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 June mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20376382.
- 3. 'Pinworms: Treatment and Prevention.' _Pinworms: Treatment, Prevention and When to See a Doctor_, nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/pinworms-treatment-and-prevention.
2. What Causes a Pinworm Infection?
Pinworms, small, thin, white threadworms about the size of a staple, can live in the colon and rectum of humans. The worm gets into the body when a person ingests contaminated feces. It’s typically an accidental transfer of eggs by the hand or through other infected items, such as bedding, clothes and food.
Pinworm infection is common among school-age children, and transfers can happen with toys, books and other shared items. The eggs can survive for two to three weeks on these objects.
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