Hookworms and roundworms are tiny parasites that can be passed from animal feces to humans. Waste from pet dogs, cats, and raccoons is a common source of human infection.
Hookworms can cause redness, pain, and itching when they travel under the skin. Both kinds of worms can hatch in the stomach and cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Sometimes hookworms and roundworms travel to other parts of the body. They can cause more serious complications.
You can get these parasites in different ways.
Infection is most common in children, because they spend lots of time with animals and playing in the sand or dirt.
Sometimes, worms aren't harmful and cause no symptoms. Children tend to have the most serious symptoms. Medicine is used for treatment.
To protect against hookworms and roundworms:
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
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