HUMAN HOOKWORM

SYMPTOMS

Some of the following signs and symptoms could appear in people with human hookworm infections:

• Single, itchy, and typically red spot of skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing
• Weight loss
• Anemia caused by a lack of iron or malnutrition
• Severe anemia leads to heart failure and extensive tissue edema.

DIAGNOSIS

Hookworm and its signs can be diagnosed using a variety of tests.

These consist of the following:

• a stool sample to look for eggs of hookworm
• blood samples to test for anemia or a deficiency in particular nutrients

TREATMENT

To cure the parasite infection, a doctor will typically advise taking specific medications for 1 to 3 days, such as mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate. These medicines are anthelmintics, sometimes known as parasitic medicines.

Iron supplements may be needed for individuals with severe anemia. Pregnancy warnings are mentioned for the medications above. In order to receive the appropriate care, people should inform their healthcare provider if they are or think they may be pregnant.

People who are vulnerable to hookworm infection may undergo medication treatment as a preventative measure in areas where it is widespread.

Prevention

These consist of the following:

• Putting on shoes, particularly in dirty places where there is a high risk of contamination.
• Avoiding eating anything that may be infected with hookworm from soil or unwashed produce.
• Avoiding utilizing feces-based fertilizer.
• Gardening while exerting caution by using gloves and shoes.

Although there is little chance of getting hookworm in the United States, people should use caution when visiting places where it is common.