Intestinal worms are common in Nigeria. In fact, about 52% of pupils in Port Harcourt, one of Nigeria’s major cities, are believed to be infected by at least one type of intestinal worm according to the Journal of Parasitology Research published in 2018. 10 percent of people living in developing countries like Nigeria are infected with intestinal worms according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This prevalence rate is believed to be higher among children living in rural areas.

While there are other parasites capable of surviving in the intestine, intestinal worms remain the most common. Common examples include:

• Roundworms, which are known to cause ascariasis, pinworm, and hookworm infections.
• Flatworms, including tapeworms and flukes.

What are the Causes of Intestinal Worms?

One way to become infected with intestinal worms especially in the major cities of Nigeria is by eating undercooked meat from pig, cow, and fish, etc. This is common among people who eat road-side local barbeque (Suya). The meats used in preparing this local suya are not always properly cooked and preparation process is far from hygienic. Other means of being infected by intestinal include:

• Poor sanitation
• Poor hygiene
• Contact with faeces carrying worm eggs
• Consumption of contaminated water
• Consumption of contaminated soil

Most of these scenarios are common in rural areas where hygiene is not a top priority. Roundworms are also common in these areas because they are mostly transmitted when contact is made with contaminated faeces and soil.

The ingested parasite makes its way to the intestine after you have ingested it. They grow and reproduce right there in the intestine. Symptoms begin to appear when the worms are fully grown and have reproduced to a considerable extent. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Worms Infection?

The most common symptoms of intestinal worms are:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal tendencies and pain
• Gas/Bloating
• Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea

PS: Most of these symptoms appear only at a critical stage of infection

Who is Most at Risk of Being Infected with Intestinal Worms?

With the increase of road-side restaurants and barbeque shops in Nigeria, almost everyone is at risk of being infected. However, children are most susceptible to intestinal worms. This is because they not always conscious of their personal hygiene and may play in areas that contain contaminated soil such as school playgrounds, local streams and rivers.

Treatment

Tapeworm and similar flatworms may disappear on their own if you happen to have a strong immune system and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. In other cases, you will need to stick to a dosage of an antiparasitic medication in order to get rid of the worms. However, you may need to go and see your doctor if you notice these serious symptoms:

• Frequent vomiting
• Pus and blood appearing in stool
• Elevated temperature
• Fatigue and dehydration

Your doctor will work out a treatment plan which you will have to follow. Improvements begin to appear after a few weeks of treatment.                 

Prevention

One good way to prevent intestinal worm infection is by washing your hands with soap and hot water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Other ways include:

• Avoid eating raw meat or fish
• Thoroughly cook meat or fish
• Allow meat or fish to stay for three minutes before consuming
• Avoid road-side foods
• Do not eat food that falls on the floor. If you have to, wash thoroughly and reheat it.
• Freeze meat or fish adequately when not in use

World Health Organization

Journal of Parasitology Research