Pinworm and Swimming
It is unlikely that pinworm infections can be spread through the use of pools. Pinworm infection occurs after accidentally ingesting (swallowing) infective pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers. Pinworm is of greater concern when an infected person scratches the skin where the eggs are (usually around the anal area) and then transfers these infectious eggs from fingers directly to the mouth or to other surfaces that may eventually have oral contact, such as food. Dilution of a small number of pinworm eggs into thousands of gallons of water typically found in pools would also reduce the chance of spreading the infection. Be aware that the chlorine levels found in pools do not kill pinworm eggs.
In the United States, pinworm is most common in school-aged and preschool-aged children.
To prevent pinworm:
- Remind your child to wash his or her hands after using the toilet, after playing outside, and before eating.
- Make sure you wash your hands after changing diapers.
- Make sure your child showers or bathes every day and changes underwear or swimsuits daily.
- Keep your child's fingernails short and clean.
- Tell your child not to scratch around his or her bottom or bite his or her nails.
- Change and wash night clothes frequently.
For more detailed information on pinworm visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/pinworm/factsht_pinworm.htm
Page last modified: April 12, 2007