Parasitic infection
Parasitic infection or infestation can occur in children of all ages. Infants, toddlers, and very young children in day care settings are at risk for the parasitic disease called giardiasis that causes diarrhea and is spread through contaminated feces. Pinworm infection (enterobiasis) also occurs among preschool and young school age children. Both preschool and school age children can become infested with head lice (pediculosis) or scabies, both of which are spread by close person-to-person contact as is common during childhood play.
Children of all ages can develop parasitic diseases such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis from swallowing contaminated water during swimming, playing, and other activities in contaminated recreational water (e.g. pools, fountains, lakes, rivers and streams, etc.). Pets and other animals can be a potential source of parasites that can affect children. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that is spread by contact with infected cat feces found in litter boxes and soil. Toxocariasis is a disease caused by a parasitic roundworm that is common in the intestines of dogs and cats.
One of the most important ways to help prevent these parasitic diseases is to teach children the importance of washing hands correctly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet.
Children in malaria-endemic countries are at high risk of the ill effects of malaria infection. The majority of the world's malaria deaths are in African children under 5 years of age. They should receive treatment with an appropriate antimalarial drug within 24 hours of symptom onset, as well as sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net throughout the year.
Children in the United States are also at high risk for malaria infection when traveling to a malaria-endemic country. Children should be sure to take antimalarial drugs before, during, and after the trip, use repellant, sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net or in an air-conditioned room, and wear protective clothing.
Children of all ages can develop parasitic diseases such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis from swallowing contaminated water during swimming, playing, and other activities in contaminated recreational water (e.g. pools, fountains, lakes, rivers and streams, etc.). Pets and other animals can be a potential source of parasites that can affect children. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that is spread by contact with infected cat feces found in litter boxes and soil. Toxocariasis is a disease caused by a parasitic roundworm that is common in the intestines of dogs and cats.
One of the most important ways to help prevent these parasitic diseases is to teach children the importance of washing hands correctly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet.
Children in malaria-endemic countries are at high risk of the ill effects of malaria infection. The majority of the world's malaria deaths are in African children under 5 years of age. They should receive treatment with an appropriate antimalarial drug within 24 hours of symptom onset, as well as sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net throughout the year.
Children in the United States are also at high risk for malaria infection when traveling to a malaria-endemic country. Children should be sure to take antimalarial drugs before, during, and after the trip, use repellant, sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net or in an air-conditioned room, and wear protective clothing.
www.cdc.gov
