Parents are being urged to monitor their children closely as demand for threadworm treatment has surged by 73% compared to the same period last year, indicating a spike in cases during February 2026. The common parasite can remain viable for up to a fortnight on contaminated surfaces and youngsters can become reinfected even following treatment.

Parents are being cautioned to keep a close watch on their children as the demand for threadworm treatment has skyrocketed by 73% compared to the same time last year, highlighting a significant rise in cases during February 2026. This common parasite can survive for up to two weeks on contaminated surfaces, and children can become reinfected even after undergoing treatment.

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny white worms that reside in the large intestine and rectum. These highly contagious parasites are spread when someone ingests threadworm eggs, which can be picked up from contaminated surfaces, bedding, or hands.

There are five critical signs of threadworm infection, some of which may only be noticeable at night or after using the restroom. The most common symptom is intense itching around the anus, particularly during nighttime.

• Irritability or waking up during the night
• weight loss
• wetting the bed
• irritated skin around the anus

According to the NHS, other symptoms of threadworms include:

Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, stated, “You might observe small, white, thread-like worms in your child’s stool or around their bottom in the morning.”

“Threadworms are contracted by unintentionally swallowing their tiny eggs. These easily spread through hand-to-mouth contact after touching contaminated surfaces such as toys, bedding, clothing, or by scratching the itchy area where female worms deposit their eggs,” he explained.

The pharmacist cautioned families that even if only one member is showing symptoms, everyone may need treatment and should exercise extreme vigilance. He said: “As the eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, it’s not uncommon for the whole family to require treatment at the same time, even if only one person has symptoms. Alongside medication, strict hygiene measures are essential to break the cycle of infection.”

The infection can be treated by pharmacists without requiring a GP appointment. Budd explained they will typically direct people towards medications such as Ovex and Vermox, which contain mebendazole, an antiparasitic medication.

He urged parents to adhere to the treatment protocol and follow some key guidance to prevent further infections within the household: “These treatments work by killing the worms, although they do not kill the eggs, which is why a second dose is often needed after two weeks.

“In addition to treatment, families should ensure that they are washing their hands thoroughly and regularly, keeping fingernails short, changing underwear and bedding daily for at least two weeks, and cleaning household surfaces frequently.”

Further measures to prevent a threadworm infection from spreading include frequent handwashing and maintaining a strict morning hygiene routine, which should involve washing the anal area to remove any eggs deposited overnight. He continued: “Change and wash clothing and bedding daily. Underwear, pyjamas, bed linen, and towels should be washed on a hot cycle for at least two weeks to help remove lingering eggs.

“Keep fingernails short and discourage scratching. Eggs can collect under fingernails and easily transfer to the mouth or other surfaces. Wearing close-fitting underwear at night can also help reduce scratching during sleep.

“With prompt treatment and consistent hygiene measures, threadworm can usually be cleared effectively within a few weeks.”

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