Do not allow children to play in potentially contaminated environments. Be mindful of the risk that public parks and non-covered sandboxes pose. Even though stool may not be visible, roundworm eggs may be present. Sandboxes which have fitted covers are popular and are well-advised to prevent infection of children with roundworms. Contact your animal control officials when homeless animals are found.
Roundworms can be a health risk for humans.
As many as 10,000 cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in one year in the United States. Children, in particular, are at risk for health problems should they become infected. A variety of organs may be affected as the larvae migrate through the body.