In Spring-time, the kids collected silkworms. They learned the importance of eco-systems and that not all caterpillars turn into the most beautiful butterflies. Love them or hate them, unfortunately, not all worms are welcome.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 870 million children (half of the children in the world) are at risk of parasitic worm infection. Worm infections interfere with nutrient uptake, can lead to anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development. It poses a serious threat to children’s health, education, and productivity.
Types of intestinal worms
Medication at Mopani Pharmacy is versatile and gets rid of a variety of intestinal worms, we might as well learn the difference between them.
Roundworm
Roundworm – Credit: ZME Science
- It is thought that 1-in-7 people could be infected with this worm
- Ingested in food or water that contain the eggs that then hatch in the gut
- The larvae may penetrate through to the bloodstream
- When they reach the lungs, they are coughed up and swallowed back into the gut, where they can mature and reproduce again
- Adult worms can be up to 30 centimetres long
- A female worm can produce up to a million eggs every four days
- Evidence of roundworms or their eggs may be found in stool
Threadworm
Threadworms, computer illustration. Credit: Science Source
- Threadworms infest the large intestines
- Female worms will exit the anus to lay their eggs on a person’s skin, this may cause irritation and itching around the genitals
- Since the eggs are on exposed skin, movement and scratching may disrupt them, scattering them. This poses a risk for people around you to be exposed and get infected too
- These worms are about three centimetres long and have the appearance of a frayed white thread
Whipworm
Whipworm, Credit: Haiku Deck
- Whipworms infest the large intestines and burrow into the inner layer, causing internal bleeds
- This may cause blood in stool and if left untreated, anaemia
- They are usually found in soil where sanitation is poor
- Whipworms are about three centimetres long when matured
Hookworm
Hookworm, Credit: Newsweek
- Larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin and move through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they can be coughed up and swallowed again
- They attach to the small intestine, where they develop into adult worms
- Infestation can occur when you ingest contaminated food or water, or come into contact with contaminated soil
- Hookworms are about one centimetre long
- Symptoms may include coughing, asthma, tummy ache, weight loss, diarrhoea
Tapeworm
Tapeworm, Credit: The Sun
- By far the largest of intestinal worms, these can grow to be up to 10 metres long and have more than 1000 segments. Each segment may reproduce
- Tapeworms are hermaphroditic and can reproduce on their own
- Segments filled with eggs break away and spread throughout the gut
- Tapeworm larvae can penetrate the tissues of their host – they may lead to hydrocephalus (parasites in the brain)
- They are often ingested in undercooked meats or contaminated food, water or soil
- Evidence of tapeworms, segments and their eggs are often found in stool
Bilharzia
Bilharzia, Credit: The independent
- Usually contracted from contaminated, still / non-moving water with infected aquatic snails
- Penetrates the skin, into the bloodstream and may settle in the organs, near the urinary tract
- Can cause liver / kidney damage
- You can read more about Bilharzia here
Whilst we are washing our hands frequently, we can add a few steps to ensure that we are keeping ourselves and our homes, parasite free:
- Regularly clean your bathroom and kitchen surfaces with warm, soapy water
- Pick up after your animals, even if they do their business outside
- Use gloves when gardening
- Wash fruit and vegetables before you cook or eat them, in running water
- Check your meat for any abnormalities
- Avoid swimming in stagnant water
- Cook meat thoroughly
- Wash pyjamas and bedding and pet bedding regularly in hot water, dry it in sunlight, and use an iron when possible
- Deworm yourself, your family and your pets every three to six months
- Keep your nails clean
Do I have worms?
The most common symptoms of worm infestation include lack of appetite, tiredness, anaemia, loose bowels, vomiting. However, most people who eat enough and are not suffering from an exorbitant number of infestations may never present symptoms. That means, you could have worms for years and have no idea! Other symptoms are often missed. Children who have intestinal parasites might grind their teeth. Nail-biting may even be the cause of worms.
Mopani Pharmacy stocks a wide range of deworming medications, in the form of tablets and suspensions, containing the active ingredient of Mebendazole. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.
Our responsible pharmacist or wellness clinic Sister can assist in pointing out the correct dosage needed.
If your symptoms persist after making use of a deworming medication, please consult your doctor.
We can deliver your medications and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide More info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703
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