Parasitic Infections (Worms, Lice, etc.)

Articles In This Section

• Chiggers

  Chiggers are tiny red mites whose bites aren't painful but do cause intense itching shortly after the bite occurs.

• Bedbugs

  Bedbugs have people on high alert, checking mattresses and furniture for telltale signs of these irritating, hard-to-control pests. Here's what to look for and how to deal with them.

• Infections That Pets Carry

  Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it's important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.

• Malaria

  Malaria is a common infection in hot, tropical areas but can also occur (rarely) in temperate climates. Malaria is a leading cause of death worldwide but if diagnosed early and treated, it can be cured.

• Trichomoniasis

  Trichomoniasis (also referred to as "trich") is a sexually transmitted disease. Because symptoms sometimes never appear, it's important to prevent infection.

• Toxoplasmosis

  Toxoplasmosis is an infection that passes from animals to humans, sometimes without causing any symptoms. Learn more about this infection in this article for parents.

• Toxocariasis

  Toxocara are common parasites of dogs and cats. When they infect humans, the illness is called toxocariasis.

• Pubic Lice

  Pubic lice are six-legged creatures that infest the hair in the pubic area. Pubic lice infestation is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can be contracted in other ways.

• Pinworm

  Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. But pinworms don't cause any harm (just itching), and it won't take long to get rid of them.

• Head Lice

  Lice aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease, but they are contagious, annoying, and sometimes hard to get rid of. Learn more about this common childhood problem and how to get rid of those pesky little bugs.

• Giardiasis

  Giardiasis, one of the chief causes of diarrhea in the United States, is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite.

• Ascariasis

  Ascariasis is an intestinal infection that occurs when the eggs of a parasitic roundworm are ingested. Read about signs and symptoms, treatment, and tips for prevention.

• Amebiasis

  Amebiasis is an intestinal illness transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that's contaminated with a microscopic parasite.