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Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Verywell / JR Bee
Symptoms and Signs
Not everyone infected with hookworm will get symptoms.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The worms feed on blood, resulting over time in internal blood loss, malnutrition, andanemia.
As noted, the long-term impact can lead to serious consequences for children’s physical growth and cognitive development.
Transmission
Two types of hookworms infect humans:Ancylostoma duodenaleandNecator americanus.
Verywell / JR Bee
The adult and larvae stage of the worms live in the human intestine and can spread through contaminated soil.
Animals vs.
It is possible to be infected by animal hookworm and develop a skin condition calledcutaneous larva migrans.
This causes a raised, red track on the skin that can be itchy.
However, animal hookworm larvae usually don’t survive more than six weeks in humans.
Signs and symptoms usually resolve without treatment.
In particular, it occurs where humans defecate outside or where human feces is used as fertilizer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hookworm is a relatively straightforward and simple process.
Healthcare providers take a stool sample and look for hookworm eggs under a microscope.
With treatment, you could get rid of hookworms.
you’re able to expect a full recovery if you’re treated before any serious complications develop.
They can be given to kids as young as 1 year old.
These supplements help restore the body’s iron stores.
These are essential to making the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
This is called preventive treatment or preventive chemotherapy.
The hookworm larvae can burrow into your skin if you walk barefoot in the soil.
You might also get it by ingesting food or water with soil in it.
A hookworm infection often doesn’t cause any symptoms.
Over time, it can cause anemia and malnutrition.
Treatment is available to get rid of hookworms.
Medications are taken by mouth for one to three days.
For anemia, healthcare providers may prescribe aniron supplement.
However, most people with hookworm infections don’t have any signs or symptoms.
you might’t see them with the naked eye.
However, your healthcare provider can use a microscope to look for hookworm eggs in your stool.
It could take many years for hookworms to go away on their own.
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