Things you need to know about hookworms!

It's a joy to see your little one playing with the dirt in the yard, jumping around without shoes, isn't it? But have you ever thought that at times like these, there could be a danger lurking in the soil that we can't see? Today, we're going to talk about a dangerous parasite that can enter our bodies through such soil. That's hookworms.

Simply put, what are these hookworms?

Hookworms are a type of small parasite that lives in our small intestines. A "parasite" is an animal that gets its nutrition from another organism. Hookworms attach to our intestines and live by sucking our blood. Often, a person with a hookworm infection does not have any symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, they may not even know they have the infection. However, it is only when the infection becomes severe that health problems begin to arise.

How do these worms enter our bodies?

These worms live mostly in warm, humid climates around the world. This situation can be seen in our country, as well as in Asia, Africa, and southern Europe. The risk is especially high in areas with poor sanitation and where human feces are added to the soil as fertilizer. Imagine, when a person with hookworm infection defecates outdoors, the worm eggs in their feces are added to the soil. These eggs hatch in the soil after a few days, and the worms, or larvae, come out. If you walk barefoot in soil where there are worms like that, those worm larvae can pierce the skin on your feet and enter your body. In addition, it is possible to contract this disease by drinking water or eating food contaminated with worm larvae, but this is somewhat rare.

What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the infection is. Initially, you may notice an itchy, red rash where the worm entered the skin. If the infection is not severe, you may not have any other symptoms. However, if the infection is severe, you may experience the following symptoms:

The biggest problem caused by hookworms: Anemia

As hookworms live in our intestines and continue to suck blood, our blood volume begins to decrease. We call this anemia . This means a decrease in the number of red blood cells that contain iron in the body. This is the main and most serious complication of a hookworm infection. Although anemia does not show any symptoms in the early stages, the following symptoms may appear as the condition worsens.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Hookworm Infection of the Skin)

There are some types of hookworms, the main hosts of which are dogs and cats. Although these worm larvae enter the human skin, they cannot develop into adult worms inside the human body. Therefore, they do not go into the intestine, but move around under the skin. We call this condition Cutaneous Larva Migrans . The symptoms of this are:

• Skin infections or wounds
• Very severe itching
• Red, ridged bumps on the skin (looks like the path the worm has traveled)
• Rarely, hair follicle infection

How do you accurately diagnose this disease?

If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a doctor right away. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and ask you to take a stool sample to see if you have a hookworm infection. The sample is then examined under a microscope in a laboratory to see if there are hookworm eggs in it. This is the main way to diagnose the disease.

What are the treatments? There's nothing to worry about!

Hookworm infection is a treatable disease, so don't panic. Treatment depends on the severity of your infection and your symptoms.

• Anthelmintic medications : You will need to take an anthelmintic medication prescribed by your doctor for a few days. For intestinal worms, medications like `(Albendazole)` or `(Mebendazole)` are usually prescribed. For skin infections, a cream like `(Thiabendazole)` or an oral medication like `(Albendazole)` is given.
• Iron Supplements: If you have anemia , you will be given iron supplements to restore your body's iron levels.
• Nutritional supplements: If there are conditions such as malnutrition, nutritional advice and other vitamins such as folate will be provided.
• Hospitalization: Rarely, in cases of severe anemia or heart failure, hospitalization may be required. Sometimes, admission to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) may be required.

How can you protect yourself from this worm disease?

Prevention is always better than cure, right? So follow these simple steps to protect yourself from hookworms.

• Always wear sandals: Be sure to wear shoes or sandals, especially when walking outdoors, in the yard, or in the garden.
• Avoid contact with soil: Avoid direct contact with soil that you think may be contaminated. Wear gloves if gardening.
• Clean food and water: Always eat well-cooked food. Boil water well before drinking.
• Toilet use: Always use only one toilet. Instill the same habit in your children.
• Take care of your pets: Avoid contact with dog and cat feces. Give your pet worming medication on time.

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