burning like matchsticks in the face of the darkness

Hi All,

It seems that there has been some conversation in our houses about
pinworm. I've attached information from Health Services about this in
order to help relieve some concerns with your students. Please have
students contact Health Services with questions.

Natalie


The purpose of this communication is to provide factual information to
address questions that have arisen in recent days regarding pinworms.

Pinworms is a common roundworm infection that may cause anal itching
and, rarely, vulvar itching. Spread is generally intimate contact
(underclothes, bedclothes and bed sheets). It can also be spread by
fecal-oral transmission (contaminated hands, toilet seats and baths) but
normal cleaning procedures eliminate or reduce transmission in this
manner. Environmental control measures including cleaning or vacuuming
an entire house are not needed. Hand washing before eating may be
helpful in preventing transmission.

The treatment is simple: a single antibiotic pill is taken once and
may be repeated in 2 weeks. At this time, there is only one confirmed
'case' on campus. Students should contact Health Services if
they think they should be evaluated or have additional questions.

Natalie Basil
Interim Director, Residence Life
Assistant Director, Residence Life
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
413-585-4940
nbasil@smith.edu