Caring for Kids
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.
Pinworms are very common in children and spread easily from person to person.
After scratching the itchy area, a person can get pinworm eggs on their hands and spread them by touching shared surfaces or objects such as a toilet seat, toys, clothes or bedding. Someone else can become infected if they touch these contaminated surfaces and then put their hands in their mouth.
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.
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Ontario
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 updated: July 2026, by CDC