What Are Intestinal Parasites?
How Is Intestinal Screening Done?
What Might I Observe?
Follow-Up to Intestinal Parasite Screening
What are intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are infections of the intestines and stool. Common intestinal parasites include giardia lamblia, pinworms, ameba, roundworms, and ascaris. They may cause no symptoms or stomach cramps, diarrhea, growth problems, and anemia.
Intestinal parasites spread when stool gets onto hands, objects, food, and water. They commonly spread from not washing hands well after diapering and toileting and before food preparation. They can spread through untreated drinking water, wading pools, water play tables, and living in conditions with inadequate sanitation.
How is intestinal parasite screening done?
Stool samples are collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What might I observe?
Most children with intestinal parasites have no symptoms at all.
You might notice:
- Nausea, low
appetite, stomach cramps, gas
- Diarrhea-loose, watery, foul-smelling,
bloody or mucous stools
- Rectal itching and scratching
- Pale skin, tiredness
- Slow growth
Follow-up to intestinal parasite screening
The screening results are evaluated by a health care provider to determine the treatment.
Treatment might include:
- Medication
- Notification of staff, parents, and the
public health department
- Education on hand washing, food preparation, cleaning, and disinfection
Intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea and growth problems. They can be successfully treated with medication and education on hand washing and safe food preparation.
