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Threadworm — DCH MCQ

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EasyCommon childhood illnessesThreadwormDCH

A 6-year-old boy has intense perianal itching at night. His sister has similar symptoms, and his mother has seen small white thread-like worms near the anus. What would you advise the parents?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Treat household contacts and use hygiene measures

Threadworm is treated with mebendazole for eligible household members plus hygiene measures to reduce reinfection. Treating a single symptomatic child while household contacts remain untreated is a common reason for recurrence. The pearl is that morning washing, nail hygiene and laundering nightwear are part of treatment.

Reference: NICE CKS Threadworm; BNFc