Surprising facts about common intestinal parasites
Worldwide, it is estimated that 24% of the population – nearly one in four people – lives with intestinal worms. Without treatment, severe infestations can cause bowel blockages and tapeworms have been recorded as growing up to 15 metres long in the intestines of human hosts.
“Intestinal worms can spread so quickly, everyone in the home should take a course of deworming medication at the same time to prevent reinfection,” says pharmacist Lutendo Mulabisana of Medipost Pharmacy.
“Intestinal parasites are in the environment all around us looking for hosts, and can easily infect entire households if a pet or a member of the family develops an infestation.
“Although they are not visible to the naked eye the eggs of pinworms are so tiny they can be breathed in, while hookworms in soil can enter the body through walking barefoot, and tapeworms are often unsuspectingly eaten in undercooked meat or fish. Eggs of the worms can also be transferred from the hands to the mouth within seconds.
“South African families should be aware of intestinal parasites and take routine precautions to protect all members of the household, including pets,” Mulabisana advises.
Although there are often no symptoms, especially in the early stages of infestation, it is recommended that two courses of deworming medication be taken annually as a precaution.
Types of parasitic worms
- Hookworms are known as soil-transmitted helminths. These parasitic worms can enter the skin of your feet, and infection can cause painful diarrhoea, and in serious cases may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia and protein deficiency.
- Whipworms and roundworms can be contracted through contaminated soil in contact with your mouth, even if it’s invisible to the eye. Serious, untreated whipworm infections can cause anaemia while serious roundworm infections could lead to fever, coughing and potentially severe vision problems.
- Pinworms affect only humans and are contracted by inhaling or touching contaminated food or objects, including bedding or clothing. Symptoms include itching of the anus that can result in difficulty sleeping and restlessness.
- Tapeworms are members of the flatworm family and can enter the human body through eating infected undercooked fish, beef, or pork, or through the faecal-oral route.
Tips to help prevent parasitic worms
- Clean up pet faeces, being careful not to touch it
- Deworm dogs, cats and other pets and avoid contact with other animals
- Cover children’s sand pits when not in use
- Wash hands frequently with soap and teach children to do so especially after going to the toilet, handling pets, and before eating and preparing food
- Wash fruit and vegetables well, especially if they will be eaten raw
- Cook food thoroughly
- Washing clothing and household items, including washing bedding in hot water, can also kill the organisms and help prevent intestinal worms from spreading in the home
Home treatment
Treatment options are available without a prescription, although Mulabisana points out that this medication is not suitable for pregnant women or children under one year of age.
“Most intestinal worm infections can be treated with either a single dose or twice daily three-day course of mebendazole, available from pharmacies including shop.medipost.co.za. Deworming medication is available under various brand names and comes in tablet form or suspension.
Self-medication products purchased from Medipost Pharmacy are delivered safely, discreetly, and conveniently to any address in South Africa. Delivery is free when combined with delivery of chronic medicines, or when online purchases from https://shop.medipost.co.za/ exceed R350.
“Short-term treatment for intestinal worms is generally well tolerated with few side effects because this medicine works through contact with the intestines where the parasitic worms usually live and is not absorbed by the body. Occasionally, people may experience an upset stomach, especially with severe infections, as the remains of the parasites are passed in stools,” Mulabisana notes.
“As with any new medication, people with sensitivities and allergies to common inactive ingredients should double check with their pharmacist and the medication label for ingredients, such as sucrose or sweeteners among others. Be sure to bring any potential cause for concern to your doctor’s attention before taking the medication, and always follow the instructions and dosages exactly.
“Don’t wait for the signs of intestinal worm infection to present themselves. According to the World Health Organization, parasitic intestinal worms are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and regular preventative deworming should be a priority for a healthy, hygienic home,” Mulabisana concludes.
