Warmer Weather Means It’s Pinworm Season (NAPSA)—Surprising as it may seem, there’s a highly contagious intestinal worm that infects 40 million Americans each year. It’s called the pinworm. The good newsis that there are things you can easily do to eliminate this annoying parasite. The pinworm is about % to % inch long and exists year-round, particularly in climates that are warm and moist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says pinworm infestation is twice as likely as having head lice. Preschoolers and schoolage children are particularly susceptible. How Do You Get Pinworms Touching or scratching the affected area transfers pinworm eggs to a person’s fingers. Plac- ing fingers in the mouth intro- duces eggs into the intestinal system, where they can grow to become adult pinworms. Symptoms Individuals who exhibit one or more of the following behaviors may have the condition: e scratching of the perianal area an inability to get comfortable when sitting e restlessness, difficulty sleeping and, for some, loss of appetite. Treatment Experts say the best way to eliminate pinwormsis to use an over-the-counter, FDA-approved pyrantel pamoate-based medica- tion, such as Reese’s Pinworm liq- uid or caplets, which are effective at eliminating pinworms—often with just one dose. Since pinworms are contavious, all family members need and Prevention (CDC) says pin- worm infestation is twice as common as having head lice, particularly for children. to be treated at the same time. Fortunately, dosages are based on an individual’s weight. That means several family members can often be treated with a single package. Prevention Experts say there are several simple steps that can help to pre- vent an outbreak: bathe or shower frequently frequently change and wash clothes and bedding wash hands regularly, espe- cially after using the bathroom and before eating avoid nail biting, which helps keep hands out of the mouth keep your home clean e discourage touching or scratching the bare anal area. To learn more and get coupons, visit www.ReesePharmaceutical. com or call (800) 321-7178. The products are available in many independent drugstores and most major drugstore chains. Note to Editors: Pinworms thrive in warm and moist weather, with temperatures of 70 degrees.
