JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Duval County mother said her son contracted pinworms at New Berlin Elementary School, adding that the first grader came home with the infection at the end of September, leading to a difficult experience for her family.
The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had to wash everything in the house in hot water daily to prevent the spread of pinworm eggs. “It’s been a headache,” she said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Clay County parent says child got pinworms twice at Argyle Elementary, adds school was ‘dismissive’
She also reported that the school nurse was unfamiliar with pinworms and had to look up information about the parasite online. The mother found it unusual that the school denied any reports of pinworms and appeared unaware of the issue.
“I was basically educating a school about pinworms, which is really weird, especially when it’s so common in preschools and daycares where kids are putting their hands in their mouth,” she said.
The mother sought medical treatment for her son at a minute clinic after the health department was unable to provide guidance. Her son required two rounds of medication, and everyone in the household had to be treated to prevent reinfection.
Dr. Sonya Rashid, an emergency medicine physician in Jacksonville with experience treating pinworms, explained that the infection is more common in young children because they often do not wash their hands properly.
“Some of the first symptoms are the child’s itching their bottom during the nighttime, and they’re having a really hard time sleeping,” Dr. Rashid said. She emphasized that proper handwashing can help reduce the spread of pinworms.
In response to the mother’s concerns, Duval County Schools stated that the school was not aware of any pinworm reports. Laureen Ricks, a district representative, encouraged parents to reach out to school leadership if they have concerns.