Hookworm infections are common in children, especially when they come into contact with soil containing hookworm eggs or larvae. Improper hand washing is a common cause of infections. Hookworms enter the body through the skin, which develops an itchy rash, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The larvae them migrate to the small intestine, where they develop into mature worms. While death may result from severe, long-term infections, proper medical treatment can prevent long-term damage in children.
Types of Hookworms
There are four types of hookworms that can cause infections in humans: Ancylostoma braziliense, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Ancylostoma duodenale, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworms can also infect animals. These hookworms are most commonly found in humid, tropical climates, and may infect up to one billion children and adults worldwide. Improvements in sanitary technology and waste management have made hookworm infections uncommon in the United States.
Symptoms
Children who contract hookworm infections often have no symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can make it difficult to detect a hookworm infection in your child. However, some children do develop symptoms such as weight loss, poor appetite, skin rashes and breathing difficulties. Anemia, or low blood iron, may result from severe infections.
Treatment
Several antiparasitic medications can be used to treat hookworm infections in children. Although albendazole was developed to treat tapeworm infections, it is commonly used to treat hookworms, according to MayoClinic.com. This medication prevents hookworms from absorbing glucose from the host body, starving and killing these parasites. Pyrantel pamoate and mebendazole may also be prescribed to treat hookworm infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Iron supplements may be needed to address anemia in severe cases.
