Once they have entered humans by penetrating the skin, the larvae of some worms, for example dog hookworm ( Ancylostoma caninum) or Strongyloides, can migrate under the skin causing diagnostic pink or red curving tracks known as larva migrans or larva currens. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness, abdominal pain and weight loss. Other types of worms may not cause any symptoms (for example pork and beef tapeworms or Strongyloides stercoralis) or only cause symptoms a long time after infection (for example dog tapeworm) or if there is heavy infection. The threadworms may also be seen on the surface of the stools (poo) if a person has a heavy infestation. They look like small white threads moving about and may be seen with a torch. Threadworms (come out of the anus at night to lay their eggs between the buttocks, causing extreme itching. A child with threadworms may be irritable, not sleep very well and lose their appetite. What are the symptoms of a worm infection?Ī person with intestinal worms may not have any symptoms, but threadworms ( Enterobius vermicularis), the most common worm infection in Australia, often do cause symptoms.Ī person with threadworms (also known as pinworms) may have an itchy bottom or redness and scratch marks around the bottom. These intestinal worms are parasites – they survive by living in another living thing (the host) and getting their food from it. In Australia, worms that may infect people include: Many types of worm can cause problems in humans.

Related information on Australian websites.

Can a child with worms go to daycare or school?.

What are the symptoms of a worm infection?.

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