Pinworm

Incubation period:

1 to 2 months

Signs and symptoms:

Usually children have no symptoms. Some children get very itchy around the anus and vagina, especially at night.

How it is spread:

Direct contact with affected area or indirect contact with an infected persons objects (e.g., toys, toilet seats or baths, clothes).

Contagious period:

Eggs can live for up to 2 to 3 weeks outside the body, on clothing, bedding, or other objects.

Exclusion guidelines:

No exclusion necessary.

What can be done:

Thorough and frequent hand washing by staff and children. Especially after going to the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.

Wash bed linens and clothes. Don’t shake them because this can scatter the eggs.

Keep everyone’s fingernails short and avoid nail-biting.

The eggs are sensitive to sunlight. Open blinds or curtains to allow light in.