Worm infection remains a serious public health concern in Bangladesh. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), around 12 percent of children are infected with intestinal worms transmitted through soil. Adults face similar risks, but symptoms are often mild or unnoticed, allowing infection to spread silently among family members.
For this reason, regular deworming of all family members is essential. What is worm infection? Intestinal worm infection is caused by parasites known as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). These parasites spread through soil contaminated with human or animal faeces and enter the body mainly through the mouth or skin.
How worm infections spread Worms are commonly transmitted through: • Contaminated soil or water • Contact with infected faeces • Eating undercooked fish or meat • Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables • Eating with unclean hands • Walking barefoot • Poor sanitation and personal hygiene How worms cause malnutrition Worms survive as parasites in the human intestine and harm the body by: • Reducing nutrient absorption • Sucking blood from the intestinal wall, leading to anaemia • Causing vomiting and diarrhoea, which increase nutrient loss
Common symptoms Symptoms may include: • Loss of appetite • Weakness and fatigue • Abdominal pain and bloating • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhoea In many adults, symptoms may be mild or absent.
WHO guidelines on deworming The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all family members, including children, take deworming medicine twice a year, at six-month intervals. WHO recognises Albendazole (Vermicid) as an effective and safe deworming medicine when used correctly.
Albendazole (Vermicid) dosage • Children aged 12–24 months: Half tablet (200 mg) • Children aged 2 years and adults: One tablet (400 mg) The tablet should be taken on a full stomach. For children under three years, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with food.
Caution Albendazole should not be given to: • Children under one year • Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant
If a child is ill with fever, breathing difficulty, vomiting or diarrhoea, deworming should be delayed until recovery.
Regular deworming, combined with proper hygiene and sanitation, can significantly reduce the burden of worm infection and improve overall family health.
Author: Manzurul Maabud (Public Health Specialist (Health & Nutrition), Bluestar Health Services, Provider of SMC and Executive Director, Jahan Pharma)
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