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Toxocariasis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Toxocariasis is an illness caused by roundworms. These roundworms most often infect animals like dogs, cats, or foxes. The worms live inside of the animals bowels. They produce eggs which are passed on through the animal's stool. The eggs can contaminate the dirt for a few years. You may come in contact with the eggs by accidentally eating small amounts of contaminated dirt. Then, the eggs grow inside of your body. They can travel to many parts of your body and cause problems. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Kill the worms
  • Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?


  • You need to get lots of rest for your body to heal.
  • If the worm is in your eye, your eyesight might be affected. This may limit your movements and prevent you from doing your usual activities. Follow your doctors orders.

What problems could happen?


  • Liver problems
  • Breathing problems
  • Lung problems
  • Spleen enlargement
  • Eye problems
  • Brain or nervous system problems

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wash your hands with soap and water:
    • After playing with cats or dogs
    • After cleaning up after them
    • After handling soil and plants
    • Before eating
  • Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water, always after playing outside and before eating.
  • Avoid putting your hands near your mouth when working with soil or while gardening. Teach your children not to put their hands in their mouths when touching soil, dirt, or sand.
  • Teach your children not to put dirt in their mouths.
  • Wear protective clothes and shoes when working with soil.
  • Take your pets to the vet. Deworm your pets regularly.
  • Keep children out of areas soiled from pets.
  • Cover sandpits and childrens sandboxes when not in use.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills.
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing
  • Problems with your eyesight, especially a change in one eye
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how and when to wash my hands to avoid passing the infection to others.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have fever, trouble breathing, or seizures.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxocariasis/ ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/parasitic/toxocariasis.html ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/538/viewAbstract ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Toxocariasis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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