Re: [at-l] Pinworms at Priest Spring

[WHHAWKINS@aol.com]

In a message dated 08/12/2000 10:05:12 PM EDT, runhorton@juno.com writes:

<< In the register at Seeley Woodworth shelter, I read today that someone
 said there were pinworms in the Spring at the Priest Shelter.  I drink
 the water untreated out of there all the time.  How big a risk are
 pinworms and how prevalant are they?????
 
 I rarely ever treat the water.  I usually just consider it's source. >>

If you have been drinking the water there. You may want to go see your doctor.

The following information is from the CDC.

Wildbill

Pinworm Infection

What is pinworm infection?

This infection is caused by a small, white intestinal worm called 
Enterobius vermicularis (EN-ter-O-be-us ver-MIK-u-lar-is). Pinworms are about 
the length of a staple and live in the rectum of humans. While an infected 
person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and 
deposit eggs on the surrounding skin.

What are the symptoms of a pinworm infection?

Itching around the anus, disturbed sleep, and irritability are common 
symptoms. If the infection is heavy, symptoms may also include loss of 
appetite, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms are caused by the 
female pinworm laying her eggs. Most symptoms of pinworm infection are mild; 
many infected people have no symptoms.

Who is at risk for pinworm infection?

Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States. 
School-age children, followed by preschoolers, have the highest rates of 
infection. In some groups nearly 50% of children are infected. Infection 
often occurs in more than one family member. Adults are less likely to have 
pinworm infection, except mothers of infected children. Child care centers, 
and other institutional settings often have cases of pinworm infection.

How is pinworm infection spread?

Pinworm eggs are infective within a few hours after being deposited on the 
skin. They can survive up to 2 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. 
You or your children can become infected after accidentally ingesting 
(swallowing) infective pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers.

How is pinworm infection diagnosed?

If pinworms are suspected, transparent adhesive tape (often called the 
"scotch tape test") or a pinworm paddle (supplied by your health care 
provider) are applied to the anal region. The eggs become glued to the sticky 
tape or paddle and are identified by examination under a microscope. Because 
bathing or having a bowel movement may remove eggs, the test should be done 
as soon as you wake up in the morning. You may have to provide several 
samples to your health care provider for examination. Since scratching of the 
anal area is common, samples taken from under the fingernails may also 
contain eggs. Eggs are rarely found during lab examinations of stool or 
urine. At night, the adult worms can sometimes be seen directly in bedclothes 
or around the anal area.

How is pinworm infection treated?

With either prescription or over-the-counter drugs. You should consult your 
health care provider before treating a suspected case of pinworm. Treatment 
involves a two-dose course. The second dose should be given 2 weeks after the 
first.

What if the pinworm infection occurs again?

The infected person should be treated with the same two-dose treatment. Close 
family contacts should also be treated. If the infection occurs again, you 
should search for the source of the infection. Playmates, schoolmates, close 
contacts outside the house, and household members should be considered. Each 
infected person should receive the usual two-dose treatment. In some cases it 
may be necessary to treat with more than two doses. One option is four to six 
treatments spaced 2 weeks apart.

How can I prevent the spread of infection and reinfection?

•Bathe when you wake up to help reduce the egg contamination. •Change and 
wash your underwear each day. Frequent changing of night clothes are 
recommended. 
•Change underwear, night clothes, and sheets after each 
treatment. Because the eggs are sensitive to sunlight, open blinds or 
curtains in bedrooms during the day. 
•Personal hygiene should include washing hands after going to the toilet, 
before eating and after changing diapers. 
•Trim fingernails short. 
•Discourage nail-biting and scratching bare anal areas. These practices help 
reduce the risk of continuous self reinfection. 

Cleaning and vacuuming the entire house or washing sheets every day are 
probably not necessary or effective. Screening for pinworm infection in 
schools or institutions is rarely recommended. Children may return to day 
care after the first treatment dose, after bathing, and after trimming and 
scrubbing nails.

 

This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for 
self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care 
provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or 
think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.

this is the URL for more information.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/pinworm/default.htm
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