Causes and Methods of Transmission of Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms primarily spread through the feces of infected individuals and can also be transmitted via contaminated food. The following are various potential routes for worm infection:
- Contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with worm eggs.
- Walking barefoot on soil contaminated with worm larvae or touching this soil. Notably, soil-transmitted parasitic infections are the most common worldwide, particularly affecting impoverished communities where eggs in human feces contaminate the soil due to inadequate sanitation systems.
- Consuming raw or undercooked beef, pork, or freshwater fish, such as salmon, that may harbor juvenile worms. This is more prevalent in countries with poor food safety standards.
- Eating food or drinking water contaminated with worm eggs, posing significant risks in areas lacking modern toilets and sanitation systems.
- Transmission of worms from pets, which is a relatively rare occurrence.
Preventive Measures Against Intestinal Worms
Although it can be challenging to eliminate all potential sources of intestinal worms, also known as enteric worms, there are several fundamental steps individuals can take to minimize the risk of infection. Here are key preventive measures:
- Maintain personal hygiene by adhering to the following practices:
- Ensure hands are regularly washed, especially before handling food and after using the restroom.
- Wash hands with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, followed by rinsing and drying with paper towels or a hand dryer. If hand washing isn’t feasible or if hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing 70-80% alcohol can be used instead.
- Regularly trim fingernails.
- Discourage children from thumb-sucking or touching the anal area.
- Wear shoes when working outdoors.
- Only drink bottled or boiled water, especially in regions where the risk of worm infection is elevated.
- Follow safe food practices, such as:
- Cooking beef, other red meats, and fish to an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F).
- Cooking poultry, such as chicken and turkey, to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Using separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables.
- Thoroughly washing and peeling all fruits and vegetables.
- Using only clean water.
- Avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meats.
- Control and treat worm infestations in pets such as cats and dogs.
- Promptly dispose of dog and cat feces in waste receptacles.
- Avoid allowing children to play in areas with significant pet feces.
- Thoroughly wash garden-grown fruits and vegetables.
- Do not walk barefoot in high-risk areas for worm infection.
Summary of Intestinal Worms
Parasitic worms are defined as small organisms that can inhabit the human body. Typically, their eggs enter the body through ingestion, hatching later to produce worms that live within the host. In some cases, the larvae of certain worm species can penetrate the body through the skin. The presence of these worms can lead to various health issues, as they may migrate to the stomach and intestines where they feed on nutrients from food before the body has the chance to digest it, consequently leading to nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, other types of worms can spread to different parts of the body, such as the bloodstream and liver, which can adversely affect their functions.