Mysuru/Mysore: Every year, Feb. 10 is observed as National Deworming Day with an aim to eradicate intestinal worms among children in the age group of 1 to 19 years. On this day, deworming activity is carried out in all government and government-aided schools and colleges as well as Anganwadi Centres.

Intestinal worms are parasites which live in the human intestines. Infected people who defecate in the open spread the infection by contaminating the soil. There are three main types of intestinal worms that infect people: roundworm, whipworm and hookworms. These worms depend on the human body for their food and survival and lay thousands of eggs each day. Worm infestation spread from one person to another person through consumption of vegetables, which are not properly washed or cooked, contaminated water and outdoor activities. Children who play in soil often put their hands in their mouth without washing their hands.

Worm infestation leads to a number of negative effects and dangers including loss of nutrients, which leads to malnutrition and anaemia and can also lead to Vitamin A deficiency, diarrhoea, dysentery, loss of appetite, reduced nutritional intake and malabsorption. Children who are infected with worms usually experience lethargy, weight loss, lack of concentration and are less likely to attend School on a regular basis. The infection might in turn affect both physical and mental health of the children.

How to prevent worm infestation: The most important step is to improve hygiene, which includes washing hands before eating and after using toilet, wearing slippers or shoes, keeping the surroundings clean as well as ensuring nails are trimmed regularly. 

Treatment: Albendazole is an effective drug and does not have any significant adverse effects. Government distributed Albendazole anti-worm tablets for children at all schools free of cost on Feb.10. The objective of the National Deworming Day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children between the ages of 1 to 19 years in order to improve their overall health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life.