PInworms and pets
Pets as a source of pinworms in people (especially children) has been a widespread misconception. A recent article at www.medicalnewstoday.com gives a good overview of pinworms in people and has a nice section about pets.
"Pinworms that affect humans cannot infect animals or pets. However, some microscopic eggs may land on a pet's fur and then be transferred to human hands when stroking (petting). It is important to remember that the problem is not the pet, it is human hand washing and hygiene."
This nicely explains two key concepts:
- People are the source of human pinworms.
- Hand hygiene is an important routine practice around pets.
The pinworm myth
Pinworms are small white worms that live in the rectum (the very last section of the large intestine). The human pinworm is called Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworm infections tend to be fairly mild (the sight of them is often more distressing than what they actually do), causing itching around the anus. Pinworms are common in young children and can be spread between people living in the same household. Pinworms are transmitted by swallowing pinworm eggs, which can survive in the environment for up to 2 weeks. Handwashing after using the bathroom is a key way to reduce the risk of transmission.A recurring myth is that pets are a source of pinworm infections in people. Pets cannot spread human pinworms, nor can they become infected by human pinworms.
If your child has pinworms, there are various measures that should be taken to reduce transmission and prevent recurrence. But testing, treating or banishing the household pet is not one of them!
