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