Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post suggests that everyone should get deworming medication routinely. After fact-checking and consulting experts, we found out that it isn’t needed, and we term it as mostly false.
The Claim
A post on X suggests that everyone should get their dewormer medication routinely irrespective of their risk profile ー age, sex and location. This post has garnered a lot of attention due to an alarming video attached.
Fact Check
Does everyone actually need deworming medication?
No, not exactly! It is not needed for everyone. But wait, there is more to it, according to a study the deworming medication is recommended only for at-risk population, and not for everyone. The soil-transmitted helminths (worms) infection is prevalent in pre-school, school going children, adolescent girls and women in the reproductive age, plus the pregnant females. It is important to note that it is common in localities with poor sanitation and hygiene. India alone accounts for nearly 25% of the total global cases, with over 220.6 million children requiring preventive chemotherapy (deworming medicine).
What are the guidelines of WHO regarding deworming medication usage?
The World Health Organisation recommends that it should only be administered routinely for places which are endemic to worm infections transmitted through soil. WHO has generated guidelines to guide public health interventions and policy makers for the right approach. In India, WHO recommends large-scale deworming to improve children’s health and nutrition.
To keep children healthy, it’s recommended to provide preventive chemotherapy, also known as deworming, once or twice a year. This involves giving them medicine such as albendazole or mebendazole. It’s advised for kids aged 12 months to 12 years, particularly if they live in areas where the prevalence of worm infections is more than 20%. This helps reduce the number of worms in their bodies and safeguards their health from soil-transmitted infections.
What are the common signs and symptoms of worm infestation in children and adults?
Worm infestations, both in children and adults, can manifest through various common signs and symptoms. These include abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Additionally, individuals may experience itching or irritation around the anus or genitals, and in some cases, visible worms might be noticed in stool or underwear. Loss of appetite, disturbed sleep due to itching or discomfort, and nutritional deficiencies leading to stunted growth or developmental delays in children are also indicative of worm infestation. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, and seeking medical attention promptly is recommended to receive appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications, ensuring overall health and well-being.
What is the impact of worm infections on the at-risk population?
Worm infections can have significant effects on the at-risk population, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare and sanitation. These infections can lead to various health issues, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and anaemia, especially among young children and pregnant women. Additionally, chronic worm infestations can impair physical and cognitive development in children, affecting their overall growth and academic performance. In communities where worm infections are prevalent, there may also be economic consequences due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, addressing worm infections through preventive measures such as deworming programs and improved sanitation is essential for protecting the health and well-being of the at-risk population.
What are the risk factors that make certain individuals more prone to worm infestations?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of worm infestations in individuals. These include living in regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities, consuming contaminated food or water, lack of access to healthcare services, and engaging in behaviours such as walking barefoot in areas where worms thrive. Eggs spread infection through human faeces, contaminating soil in regions with improper sanitation. Transmission doesn’t occur directly between humans or from fresh faeces, as eggs need three weeks in soil to mature before becoming infectious.
Once inside a host, intestinal worms feed on tissue, leading to malabsorption (impaired absorption) of nutrients, chronic intestinal blood loss, and decreased appetite, as stated by WHO. It’s essential to address these risk factors through improved sanitation, access to clean water, healthcare services, and preventive measures to reduce the incidence of worm infestations.
When we contacted Dr Amit Harshana, Senior Consultant Physician, Infectious Diseases and HIV Specialist at Akeso Health Clinic, New Delhi, for his expert opinion, he informed, “Soil-transmitted helminths (STH), transmitted through soil contaminated with faecal matter, pose a significant public health concern in India, with an estimated 220 million children aged 1-14 at risk of worm infections. These parasitic infections, stemming from poor sanitation and hygiene, easily spread among children through contact with infected soil. Chronic worm infestations lead to anaemia and under-nutrition, hindering mental and physical development, and impacting education as heavily infested children often struggle to concentrate or attend school regularly. To tackle this issue, the Government of India initiated the National Deworming Day in 2015, targeting children aged 1-19 through fixed-day Anganwadi and school-based programs conducted biannually. The aim is to improve overall health, nutritional status, access to education, and quality of life, aligning with WHO’s recommendation of preventive chemotherapy, advocating for the use of albendazole to reduce STH infection burdens among children in high-prevalence areas.”
Dr Anusha Dewan, a practising General Physician at Jeevan Anmol Hospital, Mayur Vihar, Delhi, said, “Both adults and children are susceptible to worm infections, with young children being particularly prone due to their carefree nature and less stringent personal hygiene practices. This renders them highly vulnerable to pinworm infections, especially in communal environments such as families, kindergartens, and preschools. Moreover, residing in areas with inadequate sanitation and walking barefoot increases their susceptibility to hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Additionally, children who suck on unwashed fingers face an elevated risk of pinworm infection compared to those who do not engage in this habit. Persistent worm infections can lead to malnutrition, iron-deficiency anaemia, or long-term diseases affecting the liver or lungs. For individuals planning pregnancy, it is advisable to actively undergo deworming at least three months beforehand. It is emphasised that regular deworming is effective in reducing or eliminating intestinal worms, and it is important to deworm all family members simultaneously to prevent cross-infection. When selecting a dewormer, it is recommended to choose one containing either Albendazole or Mebendazole, as they have a broad spectrum of activity against various worm species. These medications are available over the counter, ensuring easy accessibility at drugstores.”
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