Pinworm infection

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

  • Poor hygiene. Scratching the anal area directly and poor hand washing are to blame for the spread of pinworm infection.
  • Warm climate. Pinworms thrive in milder climates, and higher numbers of infections have been reported in the southern United States and in other countries with warm temperatures year-round.
  • Living with children. Pinworm infection is more common in children and is easily spread to others in the family.

DS00687

Feb. 23, 2008

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