B76.1/B76.9/B77.0/B77.8/B77.9/B79/B80/B81.4/B82.0
Note: Soil-transmitted helminth infections are notifiable conditions.
DESCRIPTION
Types of worm infestation and the characteristics are shown in the table below. Check for anaemia and failure to thrive (growth faltering). Infestations are often asymptomatic.
| Type of worm | Description | Signs and symptoms |
|---|---|---|
|
Common Roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides |
- Long pink/white worms with sharp ends - Up to 25-30 cm long - Often seen in the stools and vomitus |
- Cough - If there is vomiting consider intestinal obstruction |
|
Pinworm Enterobius vermicularis |
- White and thread-like - Up to 10 mm long - Often seen in the stools - Self-infection common |
- Anal itching; worse at night. - Sleeplessness |
|
Hookworm Necator americanus |
- Up to 8 mm long |
- No symptoms or pain - Anaemia |
|
Whipworm Trichuris trichiura |
- Up to 5 cm long - Anterior half thinner than posterior half |
- No symptoms - Abdominal pain - Diarrhoea - Possible anaemia and rectal prolapse - Abdominal discomfort - Weight loss |
GENERAL MEASURES
- Patient counselling and education.
- Wash hands with soap and water, especially:
- after passing stool(s)
- before working with food or eating
- Keep fingernails short.
- Wash fruit and vegetables well before eating or cooking.
- Keep toilet seats clean.
- Teach children how to use toilets and wash hands.
- Do not pollute the soil with sewage or sludge.
- Dispose of faeces properly.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Mebendazole, oral, 12 hourly for three days.
- Children 1–2 years: 100 mg 12 hourly for 3 days.
- Children ≥ 2 years and adults: 500 mg as a single dose.
OR
- Albendazole, oral, single dose.
- Children 1–2 years: 200 mg as a single dose.
- Children ≥ 2 years and adults: 400 mg as a single dose.
Many children with worms who have pica may have iron deficiency (See: Anaemia, iron deficiency).
REFERRAL
- Signs of intestinal obstruction.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Pain.
- Persistent vomiting.