Parasitic Infections to Look Out For
Parasitic infections can occur in children of all ages. Some infections are more common for children, since they are in close contact with one another when they are in school. It’s important for parents to be aware of the parasites and symptoms that most often affect children. If left untreated, they could get worse for the child and spread.
AGC Pediatrics can diagnose, treat and manage many symptoms of parasitic infections. Read on to learn more about some of the most common parasitic infections to look out for in children.
AGC Pediatrics can diagnose, treat and manage many symptoms of parasitic infections. Read on to learn more about some of the most common parasitic infections to look out for in children.
Head Lice
Head lice are common infestations among pre-school and school-age children. Head lice are tiny insects that infest the head and attach their eggs to the root of the head.
They are spread by close and direct contact with the hair, clothes, combs and brushes of an infected person, which is often common for children who play together. Symptoms include itching of the scalp, visible lice and nits on the hair. Over-the-counter medication is available as well as prescription medication for severe cases
They are spread by close and direct contact with the hair, clothes, combs and brushes of an infected person, which is often common for children who play together. Symptoms include itching of the scalp, visible lice and nits on the hair. Over-the-counter medication is available as well as prescription medication for severe cases
Scabies
Scabies is also common among pre-school and school-age children. Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite.
Similar to head lice, they are spread by direct and close contact to others. Common symptoms are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. Medication to treat scabies is available by prescription only.
Similar to head lice, they are spread by direct and close contact to others. Common symptoms are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. Medication to treat scabies is available by prescription only.
Giardiasis
Infants and toddlers in daycare settings are at risk for giardiasis. Giardiasis is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea.
The infection is spread through contact with surfaces, soil, food or water that has been contaminated by feces. The most common way children get this parasite is by drinking contaminated recreational water. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Several drugs can be prescribed by AGC Pediatrics provider to treat giardiasis.
The infection is spread through contact with surfaces, soil, food or water that has been contaminated by feces. The most common way children get this parasite is by drinking contaminated recreational water. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Several drugs can be prescribed by AGC Pediatrics provider to treat giardiasis.
Cryptosporidium
Children are also at risk for cryptosporidium , which is the leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the U.S., according to the CDC.
It is most often spread by swallowing contaminated water during swimming or playing in recreational water. The parasite is covered by a protective shell that makes it very tolerant to chlorine. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, dehydration, vomiting, and weight loss. Children are more susceptible to dehydration caused by this parasite, so it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.
It is most often spread by swallowing contaminated water during swimming or playing in recreational water. The parasite is covered by a protective shell that makes it very tolerant to chlorine. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, dehydration, vomiting, and weight loss. Children are more susceptible to dehydration caused by this parasite, so it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an important parasite to be aware of, as it is considered to be a leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC. Infants and newborns are at risk for this parasite because they have weaker immune systems.
The infection is spread by ingesting soil or litter-box contents with infectious cat feces or consuming undercooked meat. Symptoms in children include jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting.
The infection is spread by ingesting soil or litter-box contents with infectious cat feces or consuming undercooked meat. Symptoms in children include jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting.
Schedule an Appointment with AGC Pediatrics
If your child shows any symptoms that resemble any of these parasitic infections, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today.
