Important: Therapy
Mebendazole PO
- Children >6 months: 100 mg for 1 dose; if re-infection occurs, a second dose may be needed after 2 weeks.
Note: not licensed for use in children under 2 years.
Threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection
Single dose, repeat after 2 weeks if infection persists
Mebendazole PO
Note: not licensed for use in children under 2 years.
Threadworm infection most commonly presents with intractable peri-anal itch, especially during the night and the early morning, but infection can also be asymptomatic. In young children worms can sometimes be seen during nappy changes.
Treat all members of the household at the same time even if asymptomatic (unless treatment is contraindicated). Treatment with an anthelmintic is contraindicated in children less than 6 months. In children younger than 6 months, strict hygiene measures should be observed for 6 weeks to prevent faecal-oral reinfection. If there are frequent recurrences consider seeking advice from a paediatrician or consultant in infectious diseases.
General advice: Strict hygiene measures for 2 weeks: hand hygiene, wearing underwear at night, morning shower or bath. On the first day of treatment, wash all sleep wear and bed linen; dust and vacuum. Anthelmintic drugs do not kill eggs, therefore adequate personal and environmental hygiene is essential to prevent re-infestation from recently swallowed eggs, or eggs already in the environment.
Use clear adhesive tape to recover eggs from the perianal skin and mount on a microscope slide as described below.