Parasites are organisms that feed off other organisms. Intestinal parasites are typically transmitted by coming into contact with soil that has been contaminated by feces or from eating the undercooked meat of parasite infected animals. Your child may exhibit symptoms or may show no outward signs of being infected. When symptoms occur, they are usually gastrointestinal, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Weight loss and anemia can also be indications of some intestinal parasites.
Step 1
Contact your child's health care provider, describe symptoms and make an appointment. Report whether your child has been exposed to someone with parasites or has traveled outside of the country. Ask if you need to bring a stool sample to the appointment. Follow through with any instructions you receive.
Step 2
Collect a stool sample if instructed to do so by your child's health care provider. If you receive a kit from your provider, utilize this and follow the instructions. If you do not have a kit, obtain a dry, clean container that has a lid and will not leak.
Step 3
Provide your toddler with a potty chair, when he needs to have a bowel movement. The stool sample should not come into contact with urine, water or soil. Ask him to urinate first, then dispose of the urine and wash and dry the container. Replace the container in the potty chair and provide your child with time to have a bowel movement.
Step 4
Wash your child's bottom with a wet wipe after he's done. Do not put any toilet paper or wipes into the container after he has had a bowel movement. If worms or eggs are present in the stool, reassure your child. Help him wash his hands well.
Step 5
Put on gloves and place a small stool sample in the plastic container. Apply the lid. Remove the gloves and wash your hands. Place the container in a plastic bag and refrigerate it until it's time for your child's appointment. Sanitize the potty chair.
Step 6
Arrive at your child's appointment. If a stool sample was requested, give this to your health care provider. Describe any symptoms and pertinent information, like foreign travel or exposure to other children with parasites.
Step 7
Fill any prescriptions you receive from your health care care provider, if a parasite infection is confirmed. Administer the medications to your child according to the directions provided by the pharmacy. Complete any further directions, such as providing a follow-up stool sample after your child's treatment is finished.
Step 8
Take measures to prevent reinfection. Have your child wear shoes when playing outside. Help him wash his hands after going to the bathroom and after playing outside. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating. Cook meats thoroughly. Sanitize cloth toys by washing them in a washing machine and drying. Wash small plastic toys in the dishwasher if able.
Step 9
Sanitize large plastic toys, potty chairs, the diaper changing area and other exposed areas. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sanitizing with a solution made of 1 tbsp. bleach and 1 qt. cool water. Combine bleach and water in a spray bottle and spray a fine mist over toys and other surfaces. Allow items to dry and don't wipe the solution off.
Tips and Warnings
- If your toddler isn't potty trained and has difficulty controlling his bowels, you may obtain a stool sample from his diaper. Change wet diapers frequently to prevent contamination with urine.
- Test bleach spray water mist on a small area prior to overall application as it may discolor some surfaces.
Things You'll Need
- Clean,dry container with a lid
- Latex gloves
- Wet wipes
- Potty chair
- Bleach
- Water
- Empty spray bottle
References
- HealthyChildren.org: Health Issues: Hookworms
- HealthyChildren.org: Health Issues: Roundworm
- HealthyChildren.org: Health Issues: Tapeworms
- DPDx: Diagnostic Procedures: Stool Specimens: Specimen Collection
- National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: Caring for Our Children: Appendix I: Selecting an Appropriate Sanitizer
