Tips for Avoiding Roundworm Infection Ascariasis
Ascariasis is a condition in which one becomes infected with a parasitic worm called the Ascaris lumbricoides. It does not occur often in the United States, however it occurs far more frequently in crowded areas with lackluster sanitation. The worm settles in the intestines and can be spread through solid waste.
People become infested when they ingest the eggs. When those who are infected defecate outside, then another individual may get it on their hands as they are moving through area. If they do not wash their hands then they can inadvertently ingest the eggs. It is therefore very important for anyone who touches dirt to wash his or hands thoroughly before eating or putting their hands near their mouths for any other reason. Make sure to wash your hands if you will be cooking or otherwise handling food as well.
Also, if dirt or other substances that contains the eggs from the feces of an infected person is made into fertilizer, then this dirt can travel from the infected area to another place. Thus hand washing after touching fertilizer is extremely important as well. Of course, those who are infected should use proper sanitization and not make a bowel movement outside because they may put others at risk.
It is important for those who are infected to get treated. Effective anthelminthic medications such as albendazole and mebendazole can help to get rid of the infection. People should understand that they may or may not show symptoms. Symptoms may include stomach pain and cough.
Ascariasis can also spread when fruits and vegetables get contaminated because they are in soil that contains the eggs. It is therefore vital for people to very thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables so that all traces of eggs can be minimized. This is very important if manure has been utilized as fertilizer. In addition to washing, you can peel and cook raw fruits and vegetables.
Proper sewage disposal symptoms can make it easier for the infected feces to be properly processed. This can help keep the infection from being in places where it can affect others like nature areas.
It is important for people in high risk areas to be educated about the dangers of ascariasis. Adults should teach their children the importance of hand washing and other preventative measures. The more they know about how it can spread and what can be done to prevent it, the less it will spread. With hard work, this disease can be minimized.
Resources:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/ascariasis.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ascariasis/DS00688
http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/html/ascariasis.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/