By Asmau Ahmad
An Ibadan-based Physician, Dr. Tosin Odusanmi, said that untreated worm infestation in children could lead to malnutrition, poor learning abilities and stunted physical development.
Dr. Odusanmi, who works with Alafiatayo Hospital, stated this in Ibadan while speaking with newsmen.
He asserted that children are more disposed to worm infestations than adults, saying the Worm infestation remains a major problem in children due to poor or unhygienic conditions and practices.
“It remains one of the main problems that hinder children’s physical growth and development because worm infestation produces nutritional deficiency and anaemia in children,” he said.
The physician said that in addition to malnutrition, worm infestation also caused repeated gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections in children.
“Some symptoms of worm infestation in a child include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, anaemia, vomiting, stomach pain and loose stools,” he added.
He said that lack of clean water, low socio-economic status, poor environmental sanitation and low level of literacy were the main causes of worm infestation in the society.
Odusanmi advised parents to always de-worm their children once every three months to prevent worm infestation.
He explained that regular de-worming is in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendation to ensure that children develop properly.
Dr. Odusanmi said Worm infestation is preventable if regular and constant personal and environment hygiene habits are maintained.
“Worms are mainly contacted through unhygienic personal and environmental sanitary habits and also through contact with contaminated items or food. Parents are encouraged to develop consistent hygiene practices like hand washing before meals and after using toilets,” he said.
