A child has pinworms. The family wants to know if she got them from the puppy?

A child has pinworms. The family wants to know if she got them from the puppy?

• A. Yes, from the family dog
• B. No, most likely from another child
• C. From contaminated food
• D. From the puppy

Answer: (B)

Pinworms spread mostly from person to person, not from pets. The eggs are shed around the child’s anus and can get onto fingers, toys, bedding, and other surfaces. When someone else touches those contaminated surfaces and then puts fingers in the mouth, infection can occur. Since the parasite that causes pinworms is a human parasite, dogs and puppies are not the source. In most cases, another child who shares living space or attends the same school or daycare is the more likely source. If pinworms are suspected, treatment for the child and often for all household members, along with cleaning of bedding, clothing, and surfaces, helps break the cycle.

Pinworms spread mostly from person to person, not from pets. The eggs are shed around the child’s anus and can get onto fingers, toys, bedding, and other surfaces. When someone else touches those contaminated surfaces and then puts fingers in the mouth, infection can occur. Since the parasite that causes pinworms is a human parasite, dogs and puppies are not the source. In most cases, another child who shares living space or attends the same school or daycare is the more likely source. If pinworms are suspected, treatment for the child and often for all household members, along with cleaning of bedding, clothing, and surfaces, helps break the cycle.