Pinworms
Pinworms are tiny, white, thread-like worms that live in the rectum. The worms crawl out of the anus (bum) at night and lay their eggs on nearby skin. Pinworms can be uncomfortable, but they do not cause disease. People who have pinworms aren’t dirty. Children can get pinworms no matter how often they take a bath. They are very common in children and spread easily among children in childcare.
More Information about pinworms
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have pinworms?
No exclusion necessary.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last reviewed: May 2025, by CDC