According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hookworm infections were once common in the southern United States, but are now a rare parasitic infection. Still, the disease is present in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. As of 2002, 1.3 billion people globally were infected with hookworm, notes the CDC. Transmission of hookworm infections occurs by walking barefoot on contaminated soil, or by ingesting such soil.
Medications
According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, most patients are prescribed oral medications such as albendazole. The amount of medication and length of prescription will vary for each patient. The medication prevents the worms from absorbing sugar, causing them to lose energy and die, according to MayoClinic.com. Stool should be reexamined after 2 weeks of treatment to check for the presence of hookworms. If the parasite is still present, a person should be administered an additional dose of medication, advises Drugs.com. The medication should not be administered to pregnant women. Women of child-bearing years should take birth control while on the medication, as albendazole may cause birth defects.
Iron Supplement
An iron supplement is often recommended to counteract anemia and additional associated symptoms such as slow growth, weight loss and tissue swelling. Hookworms attach themselves to the intestine and suck blood and tissue from the body, causing anemia. Anemia does not occur immediately, but over time as blood is lost in the intestine, and depending on the severity of the infection. Iron supplements may be recommended for up to 6 months, reports MayoClinic.com. According to MedlinePlus, additional protein may also be suggested.
Prevention
The CDC recommends not walking barefoot in regions where hookworms exist. Shoes should be worn while traveling abroad. Children should not be allowed to play in dirt or soil where hookworms are present. Hookworms remain prevalent in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, southern Europe and South America. Symptoms of a hookworm infection are rare, but may include redness and itching.
