Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Threadworm infections are incredibly contagious, and common in humans – especially children. They can be transmitted through either direct contact or indirect contact.

Through direct contact, threadworms are easily spread by swallowing their tiny eggs (if a child puts dirty fingers in their mouth, for example). An example of indirect contact may be when the child comes into contact with an infected surface or person. The worms often lodge under fingernails and can remain viable on items such as handles for up to 3 days.

Worms are incredibly easily spread among youngsters when they’re engaging in team sports, playing outdoors or even touching school equipment that another infected youngster might have previously used. But as easy as worm infections are to contract, they’re also easy to treat effectively with COMBANTRIN^®. Our range of products treats threadworm, and COMBANTRIN^® also treats roundworm and hookworm. Roundworm and hookworm are considered very rare in Australia and New Zealand. However, if you suspect your child may have contracted one, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Treat the infection as early as possible with COMBANTRIN^® or COMBANTRIN^®-1, and don’t forget to treat yourself and the whole family. Treating just one member of the family for their worm infection and neglecting to treat the others may allow for reinfestation as threadworms are highly contagious. If you spot the signs and symptoms of a threadworm infection in one family member, be sure to act fast and treat everyone living in the house – including adults! You should also follow up this initial treatment with another dose about two to four weeks later if symptoms persist; to be sure the entire infection is gone. The faster a worm infection can be identified and treated, the faster kids can get back to having fun and being themselves!