The eggs can be found in soil contaminated by human feces or uncooked food contaminated by soil that contains roundworm eggs. Children often become infected when they put their hands in their mouths after playing in contaminated soil, according to WHO. Ascariasis can also be passed directly from person to person.
What causes roundworm infection?
Key points about roundworm infection in children It's caused by a type of roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Roundworm eggs live in soil that is contaminated by feces. The eggs can get into the body through the mouth. The infection can then spread from person to person via infected feces.
How do you prevent roundworm infection?
Hygiene. In countries where roundworms are common, roundworms may be prevented by eating only cooked food and by avoiding green vegetables and salads. It is best if children do not play in areas of poor sanitation, or where human stool (faeces) is used as fertiliser.
Why do humans get worms?
Some are caught from food. You can get infected by: touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them – if someone with worms does not wash their hands. touching soil or swallowing water or food with worm eggs in it – mainly a risk in parts of the world without modern toilets or sewage systems.
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