Worm infestation can also lead to death.
Picture courtesy: Twitter/EvidenceAction
UPDATED: Feb 10, 2017 19:26 IST
Worm infestation is a common health hazard that has disrupted many a life. In India alone, worm infection has been estimated to have affected more than 22 crore children aged between 1-14 in 2014, according to reports revealed by World Health Organisation (WHO).
On the surface, deworming looks like a non-threatening affair, but a lack of it can actually be fatal for you.
It is mostly our daily, unhygienic habits that lead to worm infestation. Walking barefoot on the lawn, eating with unclean hands, drinking untreated water or milk, cooking unwashed vegetables, swimming in a pool with untreated water, or a small lick from a pet--all of these can lead to worm infection.
Worm infection is one of the major factors contributing to the rising infant-morbidity rates in India. Round worm, tape worm and hook worm are the most common parasites that lead to infestation. And the illness caused by them may vary in intensity and seriousness. Worm infection may result in the deterioration of adult productivity; effect cognitive progress thereby reducing literacy; and even hamper one's nutritional status.
Also Read:34 crore kids to get deworming tablets today
Lack of appetite, tiredness, anaemia, fever, itchy bottom, loose bowels, abdominal pain and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of worm infestation.
A recent mapping of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) by National Centre for Disease Control has shown high STH prevalence in more than 14 states in India during 2015. Taking note of the imminent threat, the Government of India launched the National Day Worming Programme in 2015 and is observed on February 10 every year.
Picture courtesy: Twitter/sheetal_here
This year, as part of its largest single-day public health initiative, the Ministry of Health declared that over 34 children in the age group of 1-19 years will be covered under the deworming programme. The Ministry has also established over 200 Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centres (AMCs) to monitor deworming tablets administered to children.
Published By:
AtMigration
Published On:
Feb 10, 2017
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FAQs
Lack of appetite, tiredness, anaemia, fever, itchy bottom, loose bowels, abdominal pain and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of worm infestation.
How do you know if you need worming? ›
find a large worm or large piece of worm in your poo. have a red, itchy worm-shaped rash on your skin. have sickness, diarrhoea or a stomach ache for longer than 2 weeks. are losing weight for no reason.
What happens to your body if you don't deworm? ›
However, because of bleeding from the gut wall where the worm is attached and especially when the infection is chronic, it can result in: Iron shortage and anemia. Mild diarrhea and stomach cramps. An itchy, red skin rash on the feet where the larvae entered the body.
When should I get checked for worms? ›
Looking for the signs.
Common symptoms of a parasitic infection include diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, weight loss, and itching around the anus. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get checked for parasites by a qualified healthcare provider.
Can I check myself for worms? ›
One way to detect pinworms is to shine a flashlight on the anal area. The worms are tiny, white, and threadlike. If none are seen, check for 2 or 3 additional nights. The best way to diagnose this infection is to do a tape test.
How do you know if you have a parasite in your stomach? ›
Signs and Symptoms
Diarrhea. Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
What happens to your body when you deworm? ›
Note: Deworming drugs can cause some side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, digestive disorders, abdominal pain, transient diarrhea.
How long can you live with worms without knowing? ›
Some people may have intestinal worms for years without experiencing any symptoms.
How do you check for deworming? ›
This is the most obvious sign that your pet needs a dewormer, many worms look like spaghetti or rice. If you see worms or pieces of worms in the fur – particularly around the back end, or the tail of your pet. It is common for tapeworm segments, especially to look like little moving bits around the hind end.
Can I test for parasites at home? ›
* This is not a home test kit. You will need to visit a local lab for testing.
It also cause itchy or painful allergic reaction as the larvae moves through the body, and this allergic reaction are called c*ntaneous larva migrans. Some other symptoms of hookworm infection include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, anemia, weight loss, etc. This infection needs urgent medical treatment.
How often should adults deworm themselves? ›
Worms, parasitic flukes cause many harms to the host body, so it is recommended to periodically deworm every 6 months.
