Worms

Question 1

For worms, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 1

• Pinworm eggs are eaten, directly through contaminated hands or indirectly through contaminated items e.g. food
• Eggs travel to intestine where they hatch and mature
• Around 4 weeks after ingestion, adult female exits the body via the anus to lay a batch of eggs on the surrounding skin, often at night

Question 2

For worms, state:

- General signs and symptoms

Answer 2

• Itchy bottom, especially at night
• Reduced appetite
• Feeling mildly unwell
• Irritability and behavioural changes

Question 3

For worms, state:

• Prevention (4)
• Treatment (5)

Answer 3

Prevention:
• Wash hands thoroughly
• Keep fingernails short
• Discourage scratching of bottom and nail biting
• Disinfect toilet seat

Treatment:
• Wash all sheets/bed linen/sleepwear worn in the last 2 days in hot water and detergent to kill any eggs
• Disinfect toilet seat
• Medications are available
• Ointments and creams can be used to help with itching
• Not necessary to keep child home