Worm infestation occurs when worms live as parasitic adults in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Children are particularly vulnerable to getting these infestations as they like to put everything into their mouths. Worm infestations can be severe for your baby, as the worms consume the vitamins and nutrients in their bodies. This can then lead to malnutrition, low weight and anaemia.
Symptoms of worm infestation
- Itching of the anus region where the worms entered (thread or pinworms).
- Grinding of his/her teeth.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained rash.
- Your baby is unable to sleep.
- Persistent coughs.
- Blood in the stool.
- If you suspect pinworms, inspect your sleeping child’s anal opening with a flashlight at night. The parasite looks like a piece of very thin white thread, about 1/4 inch long.
Sources of worm infestation
- Playing in infected soil or water especially if it’s dirty and damp.
- Walking barefoot on infected soil.
- Drinking contaminated water.
- Undercooked meats and infected food e.g. unwashed fruits and vegetables.
- Contact with an infected person.
- Contact with an infected pet.
Precautions to avoid intestinal worms
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Use separate chopping boards for meats and another for fruits and vegetables.
- Try and ensure that your child’s hands are kept clean by washing regularly.
- Put on shoes when your baby needs to play outdoors.
- De-worm your pets and other animals around the home.
- Wash and clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Encourage all caretakers of the baby to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly, even under fingernails, and before handling the baby or preparing food
Treatment
It is recommended that you de-worm your child regularly. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to prescribe the appropriate medication. It is important for you to remember that the de-worming dose should be repeated once every six months, even if your baby does not show symptoms of intestinal worms, since the de-worming medication kills only adult worms and not their eggs.
