The horsehair worm belongs to the roundworm family. This unique worm earned the name based on the way it looks. The horsehair worm looks like the thin hair of a horsetail. Horsehair worms are typically dark brown in color, but some are tan, yellow or black. They usually peak during the late summer as well as during the fall months. Finding horsehair worms in odd places is not uncommon. They have been spotted emerging from a cricket on the kitchen floor of homes or in the toilet after a cricket has been dumped there, and they have even been spotted in pet’s water bowls. They can also be found swimming around in lakes, rivers, streams, and garden ponds.

The life cycle begins when a male and female horsehair worm mate in soil or freshwater. The female can lay as many as 10 million eggs. She typically lays her eggs in water plants. Once the eggs hatch into larvae, they live inside cysts in vegetation — vegetation that is ingested by crickets, grasshoppers and other insects or bugs. Once ingested, the cysts dissolve inside of the grasshopper or cricket gut. The parasite makes its way into the body cavity of the insect where it absorbs nutrients from the insects’ food through the body wall.

The horsehair worm is so thin that it can develop and grow to its maximum length inside the body cavity of small cricket. However, the usual length of time that a horsehair worm will develop inside the host is 4-20 weeks. Amazingly, once the horsehair worm reaches maturity inside of the host, it can live out the rest of its life from the nutrients and energy obtained from the host. Another amazing thing about the horsehair worm is its ability to manipulate its body into many forms. The horsehair worm can even twist itself into a ball that resembles a Gordian knot, hence the name, Gordian Worm.

When the horsehair worm is ready to exit its host, usually when the host is near or in water, it will wiggle out of the nearest opening. This is not always the case, however. They have also been known to exit on dry land. Once the horsehair worm exits the body of an insect (and if it does not find another host), this emerging actually completes the life cycle. If you dare, you can witness the horsehair worm exiting the body of a cricket here. Warning: this is not a pretty sight.

How to Get Rid of Horsehair Worms

Horsehair worms can only parasitize suitable insect hosts, so after crushing pests such as crickets, millipedes, or centipedes, the worms will quickly exit the body and crawl for cover. Unless you kill them right after exiting the body, they parasitize another insect. That said, because they are not harmful to humans and because they actually kill harmful pests such as grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, beetles, millipedes, centipedes, snails, slugs, etc., no control measures are recommended.

If you have a horsehair worm problem, you can:

• Use plain water to get rid of them (you can spray them)
• Install a mesh filter or screen to keep the worms from water pumped from a surface supply such as a farm pond or canal
• Treat domestic water supply systems by filtering and treating with chemicals under the direction of the local health department

To keep parasitized insects out of your home, you should caulk or seal entry sites. If you kill an insect, make sure you take it out of the home immediately. If you flush it, the horsehair worm will escape from the insect’s body through the toilet. You can also place an insecticide barrier around your house foundation to kill any arthropod pests infested with horsehair worms.

While it is true that human parasites do exist, chances are, a six-twelve inch worm will not come wriggling out of anyone’s head or nose, especially if they live in a developed country. Continue reading to find out how to protect yourself against worm gags and hoaxes and also read on to find out all about the most common types of human worms and the not so common types, mainly the Guinea worm. The Guinea worm is quite scary, but if you’re reading this, you have a better chance of winning $380 million in the Texas lottery, than you do of being infected with this type of parasitic worm.

Worm Images and Video: Real or Hoax?

Websites will do anything to get traffic, even if it means scaring the pants off of unsuspecting surfers. True, humans can get worms, but extreme cases involving worms wriggling around eyeballs, exploding from a person’s head or escaping from the pores of an old woman are rare in developed countries. And, sensational cases are usually created by piecing together several unrelated medical cases and conditions to create a Weekly World News worthy story, in order to scare individuals into getting everything from unnecessary medical screenings to buying special lotions and medicines. So is there a way to tell fact from fiction when it comes to Internet images of worms in humans? Absolutely!

The vast majority of credible medical studies and stories will include an extensive list of verifiable sources. If the study or story includes images, each image will contain a verifiable credit as well. If you cannot verify a credit or a source, chances are the image is a hoax or nothing more than an urban legend. In some cases, the credit or source will take you to a real website that looks credible. Don’t stop there. Do some digging. Does the website have contact information? Do you get an answer when you call or a response back when you send an email? Can you find the company name online?

If the credits and sources link to a credible source like the University of Chicago Hospital, there will be solid evidence of the study, verifiable images, and contact information. To verify the study, story and/or the images, simply call or email the contact.

In addition to including verifiable sources, real images and cases do not typically resort to cartoon images and “photoshopped” images to add credibility. Fortunately, you can spot these types of images fairly easy. Click here to take a look at a few random “photoshopped” images. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about worms in humans.

The Truth About Worms in Humans

At any given time, the human body may be infected with dozens of different types of parasites, such as worms. Some parasites are microscopic while other worms in humans are quite visible to the naked eye. Certain types of parasites are found more often in animals, for example, the bloodworm typically infects horses. Other types of parasites may affect humans more often. In all, there are more than 3,200 types of parasites in existence today and they are divided into the following categories: Cestoda, Nematoda, Protozoa, and Trematoda.

Just a few of the different types of parasites that may infect humans include: tapeworms, (Cestodes); hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms (Nematodes); giardia (Protozoa); and flat worms, (Trematoda).

The most common type of worm in humans is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that parasites rarely cause any serious (or fatal) complications in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm the human body may be infected with, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into the human digestive system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of parasites cause some of the same unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms of parasites or worms in humans may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Rashes
• Insomnia
• Eye pain
• Protein deficiency
• Gas
• Constipation
• Mental dullness
• Fever
• Coughing
• Nervousness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Anemia
• Stomach bloating
• Bloody stools
• Weakness
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis. A physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Parasites can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by a physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal or natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of worms in humans. That said, there are several popular (and effective) remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

• Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
• Capsicum, wormwood, sage
• Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
• Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

In general, herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is very important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite or worm infection. It’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. Certain foods, spices, and beverages might help to ward off parasite infections or to keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

• Cranberry juice
• High-fiber foods
• Pumpkin seeds
• Garlic
• Pomegranates
• Apple cider vinegar
• Figs
• Bottled or distilled water
• Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
• Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

• Undercooked meats
• Chestnuts
• Sugar
• Watercress
• Refined carbohydrates
• Swimming in lakes, rivers, an streams
• Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands! You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place. In addition, wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

All About the Guinea Worm

Also called, dracunculiasis (pronounced: dra-KUNK-you-LIE-uh-sis), Guinea worm is a parasitic worm infection that occurs mainly in Africa. In fact, more than half of all cases of Guinea worm disease are reported from the southern Sudan region. Each year, 1,000 cases of Guinea worm disease are also reported in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Uganda. Countries where less than 1,000 cases of the disease are reported include: Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

Guinea worm is more common in poor rural African villages that are not frequented by tourists. While the infection occurs mostly in Africa, the disease can also be found in Yemen, and some of the most remote villages in the Rajastan desert of India.

What Causes Guinea Worm?

Guinea worm is caused by a threadlike parasitic worm that grows and matures inside the human body. The worm is called Dracunculus medinensis. Dracunculus medinensis is as thin as a paper clip and it can grow up to a staggering three feet long. Once the larvae mature inside the human body, the Guinea worm exits the body through a painful blister in the skin. This can cause long-term suffering and oftentimes, crippling aftereffects.

How is Guinea worm contracted?

People may become infected with Guinea worm after drinking standing water that contains a tiny water flea. The flea might be infected with the tiny larvae of the Guinea worm. The tiny larvae pierce the intestinal, mature into adulthood, then mate during the course of a year. Once the males die off, the female makes her way through the body where she will grow up to as much as three feet. The female will eventually end up near the surface of the skin, typically in the lower limbs.

Symptoms of Guinea worm

Guinea worms cause intense swelling and painful, burning blisters. In most cases, the infected will seek out water to soothe the pain. In poor rural African villages, “water” usually means nearby ponds and wells. Once the sufferer enters the water, the blisters will burst and the worm will emerge releasing millions of new larvae into the water. Once the larvae have been released into the water, they are then swallowed by tiny water fleas and the vicious cycle starts all over again.

Other symptoms of Guinea worm include: fever and infection. Most symptoms of Guinea worm do not develop until a year after a person has ingested contaminated water.

Guinea worm diagnosis and treatment

Guinea worm can be detected by sight. The adult worm can be seen protruding from a skin sore. While there is no cure for Guinea worm or medications to prevent infection, there are several methods to remove the worms. The Guinea worm can be removed a little at a time by winding it around a small stick and pulling it out. In some cases, the process will take only a few days, in others it might take a few weeks or even a few months. In some cases, Guinea worm can be surgically removed before the actual wound begins to swell. Antibiotics and antihistamines may be used to reduce swelling and make removal of the worm easier.

After a Guinea worm is removed, many people are left with permanent scarring and/or permanent crippling. Unfortunately, most people in infested villages will contract Guinea worm disease year after year.

How to prevent Guinea worm

Guinea worm infection can be avoided by using only filtered water or water that has been obtained from a safe source. Even water from ponds and wells can be boiled and filtered through cloth to kill the Guinea worm larvae. Water can also be treated with a larvae-killing chemical. In addition, people with open Guinea worm wounds should stay away from ponds or wells that are used for drinking water.

The most common type of human intestinal worm is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that parasites rarely cause any serious (or fatal) complications in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm or how the worm ends up in the human body, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into the human digestive system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of human intestinal worms may cause:

Loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Rashes
Insomnia
Eye pain
Protein deficiency
Gas
Constipation
Mental dullness
Fever
Coughing
Nervousness
Vomiting
Nausea
Anemia
Stomach bloating
Bloody stools
Weakness
Chills
Diarrhea
Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis. A physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Parasites can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by a physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal or natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of human intestinal worms. That said, there are several popular (and effective) remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

·Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
·Capsicum, wormwood, sage
·Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
·Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

In general, herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is very important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite or worm infection. It’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. Certain foods, spices, and beverages might help to ward off parasite infections or to keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

Cranberry juice
High-fiber foods
Pumpkin seeds
Garlic
Pomegranates
Apple cider vinegar
Figs
Bottled or distilled water
Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

Undercooked meats
Chestnuts
Sugar
Watercress
Refined carbohydrates
Swimming in lakes, rivers, an streams
Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands! You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place. In addition, wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

In all, there are more than 3,200 types of identifiable parasites or worms. These thousands of worms and parasites are divided into four categories including: Cestoda, Nematoda, Protozoa, and Trematoda. Just a few of the different types of parasites that may infect humans include: tapeworms, (Cestodes); hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms (Nematodes); giardia (Protozoa); and flat worms, (Trematoda).

The most common type of human worm is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that human worms rarely result in death in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm the human body may be infected with, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into your system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of human worms can cause some of the same unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms of human worms may include:

·Loss of appetite
·Abdominal discomfort
·Rashes
·Insomnia
·Eye pain
·Protein deficiency
·Gas
·Constipation
·Mental dullness
·Fever
·Coughing
·Nervousness
·Vomiting
·Nausea
·Anemia
·Stomach bloating
·Bloody stools
·Weakness
·Chills
·Diarrhea
·Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Your physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Human worms can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by your physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal/natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of human worms and other human parasites. There are, however, several popular and effective remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

·Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
·Capsicum, wormwood, sage
·Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
·Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

Herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is so important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite infection and it’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. There are certain foods, spices, and beverages that can help ward off parasite infections or keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

·Cranberry juice
·High-fiber foods
·Pumpkin seeds
·Garlic
·Pomegranates
·Apple cider vinegar
·Figs
·Bottled or distilled water
·Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
·Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

·Undercooked meats
·Chestnuts
·Sugar
·Watercress
·Refined carbohydrates
·Swimming in lakes, rivers, streams
·Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands. You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place; wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use; and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

Pinworm is the most prevalent parasite infection in the United States and Europe. While it is most commonly found in school-aged children, it can occur in adults as well. Pinworm does not recognize class, race or area, it occurs in rural areas as well as in urban areas. Humans can become infected with pinworm after drinking water or eating food contaminated with pinworm eggs. Pinworm eggs are ovoid on one side and approximately .55 mm x .25 mm in size. The eggs can last for twenty days in most moist environment, even sewage.

The adult pinworm, which is small, white, and threadlike develops in the body’s large intestine and lays its eggs in the anal region. The female pinworm can lay up to 15,000 eggs. While some people will not experience any symptoms of pinworms, others will experience mild to moderate symptoms. The most common symptom of pinworms is itching around the anus. The itching becomes worse at night when the female pinworm lays her eggs on the infected person.

Pinworms rarely cause symptoms in other areas in the region such as the vagina or urinary tract. If they do, which is extremely rare, any irritation will go away on its own along with the pinworm. They just can’t survive in these areas.

Because pinworms can be seen with the naked eye, they are easy to detect. They are most active at night, so this is the best time to look for them. Pinworms can also be seen on the outside of the infected person’s stool.

There are several treatments for pinworms. According to MedicineHealth:

“Albendazole (Albenza) is the most common treatment for pinworms. Treatment is a single tablet, which kills the worms. There are different strengths for adults and children younger than 2 years. To lessen the chance of reinfection, the infected person will have to take a second dose two weeks after treatment. Pinworm eggs can survive for a few weeks. Other treatments such as Mebendazole (Vermox) and pyrantel pamoate (Pin-Rid, Pin-X) also work. They are also taken in a single dose and repeated 2 weeks later.”

There are several things that must be done after treatment (and beyond) to prevent reinfection. The treated individual should:

·Avoid biting the fingernails.
·Clean and vacuum play areas. Continue this practice indefinitely.
·Get into the habit of thoroughly washing the hands after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and before preparing food.
·Launder all bedding every 3-7 days for 3 weeks.
·Make sure the child or infected person changes his/her underwear daily.
·Thoroughly wash all bedding, clothing, pajamas, and toys with hot water and soap to destroy any lingering eggs.
·Wash underwear and pajamas daily for 2 weeks.

If you have been treated for pinworms and you have carefully followed all of the steps listed above and you still become reinfected, do not get discouraged. It is common to become reinfected several months or so after treatment. Simply call your doctor to get started on another round of treatment.

Most worms live in the dirt near the surface or deep beneath the earth’s surface. While worms do need moisture to keep their bodies from drying out, the moisture from the earth is more than enough to keep their bodies damp. Worms eat dead grass, leaves, bacteria, fungi, and algae, and if they live deep underground, their diet will consist primarily of raw dirt. The types of worms that can infect the human body are quite different, however. They do not feed off organic materials from the earth, but rather the contents of human intestines.

The most common type of human parasite is the threadworm or the “pinworm.” The threadworm is white in color, but it could easily appear brown or reddish after passing through the human intestines. While the threadworm is found mostly in children, it can infect adults as well. Especially if they come in contact with a child that has been infected.

Infection occurs when a female worm lays eggs on the persons skin, usually around the anus. Eggs can also be found in dust and they can survive there for weeks. The dust can be inhaled fairly easily, which may lead to infection. This is common in childcare institutions. Once a person is infected with threadworms, the infection may be spread through bathroom facilities, through shaking hands, playing or pretty much any type of physical contact.

Threadworms cause the infected person to scratch the area around the anus for relief. The eggs can end up under the fingernails. If the infected person neglects to wash his or hands thoroughly, the eggs can easily pass from person to person with even the slightest touch.

Threadworms are roughly 1cm in length. Full-grown threadworms can be found hanging out of the infected persons anus or they can be found in the infected persons stool. While having threadworms may sound like a horrible infection, it’s not. True, it is uncomfortable for most people, but it is very easy to treat. There are several antibiotics that may be purchased over-the-counter from any pharmacy. These include: mebendazole and piperazine. The antibiotics can be taken in a single dose to kill the infection. All other members of the household should be treated with antibiotics as well, even if there are no symptoms.

To prevent re-infection, it’s best to disinfect the bathroom with cleaning agents and hot water. This means that the toilet, sinks and even the bathtub and shower should be disinfected. You should wash all clothes, underpants, and linens in hot water and detergent as well. If you want to be 100% sure that the threadworms won’t return, you may want to dispose of anything that you think may be infected. In addition, it is imperative that no matter what, you wash your hands several times a day, especially after using the restroom – even in your own home.

Horsehair worms belong to the roundworm family and they earned the name because they look just like the thin hair of a horse tail. Horsehair worms are typically dark brown in color, but some are tan, yellow or black. They usually peak during the late summer as well as during the fall months. Finding horsehair worms in odd places is not uncommon. They have been spotted emerging from a cricket on the kitchen floor of homes or in the toilet after a cricket has been dumped there, and they have even been spotted in pets water bowls. They can also be found swimming around in lakes, rivers, streams, and garden ponds.

The life cycle begins when a male and female horsehair worm mate in soil or freshwater. The female can lay as many as 10 million eggs. She typically lays her eggs in water plants. Once the eggs hatch into larvae, they live inside cysts in vegetation — vegetation that is ingested by crickets, grasshoppers and other insects or bugs. Once ingested, the cysts dissolve inside of the grasshopper or cricket gut. The parasite makes its way into the body cavity of the insect where it absorbs nutrients from the insects’ food through the body wall. The horsehair worm is so thin that it can develop and grow to its maximum length inside the body cavity of small cricket. However, the usual length of time that a horsehair worm will develop inside the host is 4-20 weeks. Amazingly, once the horsehair worm reaches maturity inside of the host, it can live out the rest of its life from the nutrients and energy obtained from the host.

Another amazing thing about the horsehair worm is its ability to manipulate its body into many forms. The horsehair worm can even twist itself into a ball that resembles a Gordian knot. Hence the name, Gordian worm.

When the horsehair worm is ready to exit its host, usually when the host is near or in water, it will wiggle out of the nearest opening. This is not always the case, however. They have also been known to exit on dry land, of course. Once the parasite exits the body of an insect, this emerging actually completes the life cycle of the horsehair worm. If you dare, you can witness the horsehair worm exiting the body of a cricket here. Fair warning, its not a pretty sight.

Threadworms can affect any age but are most prevalent in children, who may inadvertently transfer the eggs after scratching. They thrive in dust and can be inhaled. These worms can be visibly identified in a bowel movement. They’re also easily spotted with a flashlight when the anal area is inspected at bedtime. Humans rarely become ill from threadworm but may suffer intense itching around the anal area, especially at night. This can lead to interrupted sleep. In worst cases, urinary tract infections can develop and females are susceptible to vaginitis. Secondary infections can occur, too, if a child or adult scratches the area. A child may suddenly begin bed-wetting as well. This can be due to threadworm irritation in the urethra.

While it is assumed that the spread among children is related to less concern for hygiene, thread worms can progress rapidly among adults. The entire family should be treated when one is infected. And lack of personal cleanliness is not the precise reason behind contracting threadworm. Contact with an infected person or touching a surface the person has come in contact with will cause a rapid spread. Thread worms can survive on toilet seats, in clothing, and even in swimming pools.

Once the egg is consumed or inhaled, it travels to the small intestine and hatches. As larvae, the threadworms navigate into the large intestine, grow into adults, and mate. The male then dies, while the female lives on for about eight weeks. When she is ready to lay eggs, the female threadworm moves to the outer anal area. One adult can produce about 10,000 eggs at one time. She dies and the eggs begin the cycle again. The itchiness comes from a sticky coating on the egg sac. When the coating dries, the eggs can become airborne. The eggs are light and float along with dust particles.

Reinfestation can also occur. If the eggs remain intact on their host until hatching, they will return to the large intestine to reach the adult stage.

Of course, handwashing is essential for everyone, but especially so for those with thread worm. Fingernails should be scrubbed underneath and kept short. Over the counter treatments are readily available and typically resolve the problem within ten days. However, young children should visit a physician for diagnosis. Other precautions include no sharing of belongings or food, daily morning showers, and a nightly change of underwear and sleepwear. Clean bedding regularly and dust daily, if possible. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and keep baseboards clear.

Thread worms remain the most common human parasitic infection, but one that is easily treated.