Ancylostomiasis
Hookworm
Fast Facts
*576-740 million people are infected worldwide.
*The hookworm lives in the small intestine.
Infection and Symptoms
The eggs of the hookworm are passed through the feces of infected people. The worm penetrates the skin and attaches to the wall of the small intestine. Anemia and protein deficiency can be caused by blood loss at the site of intestinal attachment. When children are continuously infected, the loss of iron and protein can retard growth and mental development.
Measures of Control
There are currently no mass measures of control to reduce the infection rate of hookworm. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid skin contact with contaminated soil or water.
Common Areas
Ancylostomiasis is common in under-developed countries with poor waste management systems.