142 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
Whipworm (Trichuris, Trichocephalus)
3 to 5 cm. long. Color: pink or gray.
This worm, like the roundworm, is passed from the feces of one person to the mouth
of another person. Usually this worm does little harm, but it may cause diarrhea. In
children it occasionally causes part of the intestines to come out of the anus (prolapse
of the rectum).
Prevention: The same as for roundworm.
Treatment: If the worms cause a problem, give mebendazole. For dosage, see
page 374. For prolapse of the rectum, turn the child upside down and pour cool water
on the intestine. This should make it pull back in.
Hookworm
1 cm. long. Color: red.
Hookworms cannot usually be seen in the feces. A stool analysis is needed to
prove that they are there.
How hookworms are spread:
3. The person coughs up the young
worms and swallows them.
4. A few days later the person may
have diarrhea or a stomach-ache.
2. In a few days they reach the
lungs through the blood stream.
They may cause a dry cough
(rarely with blood).
5. The hookworms attach
themselves to the walls of the gut.
Many worms can cause weakness
and severe anemia.
1. The baby hookworms enter
a person’s bare feet. This can
cause red marks on the feet
and itching.
6. The hookworm eggs leave the body
in the person’s stools. The eggs hatch
on moist soil.
Hookworm infection can be one of the most damaging diseases of childhood. Any
child who is anemic, very pale, or eats dirt may have hookworms. If possible, his stools
should be analyzed.
Treatment: Use mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel. For dosage and precautions,
see pages 373 to 375. Treat anemia by eating foods rich in iron and if necessary by
taking iron pills (p. 124).
Prevent hookworm: Build and use latrines.
Do not let children go barefoot.