Life Cycle of the Hookworm Larvae emerge and live in the soil. The larvae can survive 3 to 4 weeks in the environment if conditions are favorable. After 5 to 10 days of development, larvae are able to cause infection and can penetrate the skin.
How long do hookworms live in the environment?
Life Cycle (intestinal hookworm infection): These infective larvae can survive 3 to 4 weeks in favorable environmental conditions. On contact with the human host, the larvae penetrate the skin and are carried through the blood vessels to the heart and then to the lungs.
How long can hookworms live outside the body?
Under optimum conditions, infective larvae may remain viable in the soil for several months or longer, but under natural conditions in the tropics the majority rarely survive longer than five or six weeks.
Can hookworms live in your yard?
Hookworms (like roundworms and tapeworms) are intestinal parasites, but unlike roundworms and tapeworms they can persist and live in the yard (soil) without an intermediate host. The hookworm enjoys warm, southern, tropical climates, but has even been found in more temperate areas such as North Carolina and Virginia.
Can hookworms live in my house?
Unless animals or people have defecated in your home, it is not necessary to disinfect your home from hookworms. Hookworms aren't directly contagious because the eggs must mature into larvae before another person can contract the infection. If disinfection is necessary, use diluted bleach to clean surfaces.
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