What types of worms can infect humans?
The most common infections are: • Threadworm (also known as pinworm) • Roundworm • Tapeworm • “Ringworm” (which is not actually a worm) How do I know if I have worms, and what type of worm I have? Threadworms (pinworms) are the most common worm infection. The most common symptom is severe itching around the anus. You may also see threadworms in stools or around the anus. These are 1cm-long white threads that look a bit like cotton thread. Threadworms are generally caused by poor hygiene so are more likely to affect children. They are spread from person to person via the eggs that are laid around the anus. Scratching the anus covers the hands with eggs and allows the eggs to be passed from person to person. Roundworms are rarer, and the symptoms are less obvious than for tapeworms. They are usually caught when travelling abroad, and can cause abdominal pain, wheezing and coughing (caused by inflammation of the lungs), diahorrea, nausea and vomiting. In heavy infections, worms may be see
The most common infections are: • Threadworm (also known as pinworm) • Roundworm • Tapeworm • Ringworm (which is not actually a worm) How do I know if I have worms, and what type of worm I have? Threadworms (pinworms) are the most common worm infection. The most common symptom is severe itching around the anus. You may also see threadworms in stools or around the anus. These are 1cm-long white threads that look a bit like cotton thread. Threadworms are generally caused by poor hygiene so are more likely to affect children. They are spread from person to person via the eggs that are laid around the anus. Scratching the anus covers the hands with eggs and allows the eggs to be passed from person to person. Roundworms are rarer, and the symptoms are less obvious than for tapeworms. They are usually caught when travelling abroad, and can cause abdominal pain, wheezing and coughing (caused by inflammation of the lungs), diahorrea, nausea and vomiting. In heavy infections, worms may be seen
