Juliet Buna
On July 3, 2024, Dr George (@GeorgeAnagli) shared a video on X showing worms being removed from a human body during surgery. The 36-second clip has garnered over 1.5 million views, 1,400 reposts, and 577 replies.
The post was accompanied by a caption, “This is why it’s important to deworm regularly. Especially individuals living in areas where there’s limited access to clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, farmers, those who like to consume uncooked food, etc. These actually increase the risk of worm infections.”
The post elicited questions about deworming frequency, with some X users seeking guidance from Dr George Anagli.
Brah (@brah_phi) asked, “At least how many times a year?” while Daniel Amoako “@DanielA78030085” inquired, “Is it important to deworm every month, Dr George?” Meanwhile, Larbi SarkCess (@Larbi_SarkCess) sought clarification on the recommended intervals for deworming, asking, “Doc, what are the intervals for deworming?”
In response to numerous inquiries about deworming schedules and their significance, the fact-checker wrote this article to provide an overview of the different types of intestinal worms, their symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments.
What are worms?
According to the National Institute of Health, parasitic worms and intestinal parasites have infected over half of the world’s population, yet such infections are largely neglected due to their perceived non-fatal nature.
Medical Net says worms are a very common source of illness for adults and children, so experts recommend deworming two times a year or every six months, beginning at the age of two.
Evidence Action reports that over 913 million children worldwide are vulnerable to parasitic worm infections, including soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis, which can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being.
What are the types of worms in humans?
Various worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms, can infect the body, leading to diverse symptoms and complications. According to Cleveland Clinic, other intestinal worms include liver flukes, threadworms, and ascaris, which causes ascariasis, and trichinella, which is responsible for trichinosis.
| TYPES OF INTESTINAL WORMS | SYMPTOMS |
| Tapeworms | Tapeworms can infect humans through raw/undercooked pork or beef consumption. There are three main species: Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, and Taenia asiatica. In the US, no fewer than 1,000 people are infected annually, and tapeworms can grow up to 82 feet long.While exact figures on tapeworm infections in Nigeria are unavailable, a recent report by Punch Newspaper on May 18, 2024, revealed an estimate of 48 million children in Lagos alone requiring deworming treatment, highlighting the significance of this public health concern in the region. |
| Flukes | Flukes are a type of parasitic worm that can infect the human intestinal tract. Over 70 species are known to infect humans. They range in size from a fraction of an inch to several inches long and are typically contracted through contaminated food or water. Fluke infections are most common in East and Southeast Asia. |
| Pinworms | With over 1 billion global infections, it is the most common intestinal parasite in North America that affects children and is easily transmissible. It spreads through swallowing eggs, which hatch in the intestines. Female pinworms lay eggs around the anus at night, and they easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or people, especially among children. They may also cause itching, pain, and nausea but are often asymptomatic. |
| Hookworms | 576-740 million people are infected with these worms worldwide. It was previously common in the US Southeast but is now less prevalent due to improved living standards. Most cases are asymptomatic. |
| Ascariasis (Roundworms) | This is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, which infects over 800 million people worldwide. It is rare in the US but may occur in rural Southeast areas. It spreads through contaminated food or water. However, adult worms can grow over 1 foot long, often asymptomatically. |
Experts opinion
A registered community health practitioner, Akanji Joseph, defined deworming as a crucial process that eliminates parasitic worms and intestinal parasites from the body. According to Mr Akanji, deworming is typically done through medication such as Albendazole and Mebendazole, which treat infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
He added that the interval for deworming varies depending on factors such as age, health status, and location. Children under five should be dewormed every six months, while those between five and above can be dewormed every 12 months. Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses may need to deworm more frequently, every 3 or 6 months.
Mr Akanji said the refusal to deworm could cause various health problems.
“Regular deworming is crucial for adults and children to prevent various health issues caused by parasitic worms and intestinal parasites. These health problems include malnutrition, digestive issues, weight loss, stunted growth, anaemia, skin problems, respiratory issues, discomfort, pain, and impaired cognitive function.
“Worms consume essential nutrients, leading to weight loss and growth impairment, and can also cause blood loss, respiratory problems, and skin issues. Heavy worm infestation can even affect cognitive development and function. Therefore, deworming is essential to maintain overall health and well-being,” he said.
Akanji added that the type of worm and the individual’s health determine the number of worms that can be removed from the body. For instance, tapeworms can grow up to 80 feet long and live in a human for up to 30 years, while hookworms are typically less than half an inch long.
“The number of worms that can be removed from the human body varies depending on the type of worm and the individual’s health. For example, tapeworms can grow up to 80 feet long and live in a human for up to 30 years, while hookworms are usually less than half an inch long.”
A medical doctor at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo State, Dr Durodola Abiodun, recounted an experience with a patient during his medical school days.
“We had a patient during my medical school days; the person had severe stomach ache and couldn’t defecate. So, a medical test was conducted, and he was taken to the theatre because they noticed the impact action was due to something they couldn’t figure out. On getting to the theatre, they found a bucket of worms inside the stomach that has blocked it,” he said.
Dr Abiodun further explained that the worms can multiply over time, significantly increasing their numbers, and if left untreated, symptoms may take 4-6 years to appear. These can include digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and bleeding. In addition, if the worms migrate to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, they can cause respiratory problems like coughing or pneumonia.
“Most times, all these worms are insomniac, which means they can be within your stomach and guts without any symptoms for years, and they will be accumulating. Over the years, they keep producing young ones, and they have become more numerous.
“If you don’t deworm, it might take 4-6 years before the symptoms start showing, and the symptoms are digestive tract symptoms like constipation, diarrhoea, stomach ache, bleeding, etc. If the worms find their way to another system in the body like the lungs, it can lead to cough or pneumonia,” he said.
CONCLUSION
Refusal to deworm can lead to various health problems, including nutrient deficiency, digestive issues, weight loss, anaemia, skin problems, respiratory issues, discomfort, pain, and impaired cognitive function. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent long-term damage and complications.
The researcher produced this article per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Crest 91.1FM, Ibadan, and News Verifier Africa, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
