 Hookworm infection – what it is and how to treat it

Hookworm infection can lead to symptoms ranging from a rash to anemia. Learn how to treat and prevent it, and when to see a doctor.


What are the symptoms?

What causes it?

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

How is it treated? 

How to prevent hookworm

Hookworms are a type of worm that infect the intestines (part of your digestive system) in your body. These tiny worms can cause health problems, including diarrhea and belly pain, but treatment is available. 

Hookworm infection is caused by parasites that enter your body and travel through your bloodstream to your small intestine. These parasites are worms that have a hook-shaped head, which gives them their name.

The worms’ eggs are passed between people through feces (poop), after which they hatch into larvae. If you walk on or touch soil that is contaminated with infected poop, the larvae can enter your body through your skin and develop into worms.

Hookworm is most often seen in regions with hot and moist climates – such as North Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, and South America. You’re more likely to pick up a hookworm infection in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation.

## What are the symptoms?

Many people with hookworm infections do not experience any symptoms.If you do develop them, they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include:

- an itchy, red rash at the place where the worms entered your skin
- coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing
- fever (high temperature)
- belly pain
- stomach [bloating](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/what-causes-bloating-in-your-stomach)
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- [nausea](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/feeling-sick-nausea) and/or vomiting
- [iron deficiency anemia](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/anaemia-iron-deficiency) – including pale skin and lack of energy. 


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## What causes it?

Hookworm larvae (the newly hatched worms from the egg) are passed from person to person through infected poop. Coming into contact with the worms, for example by walking barefoot on soil that has infected poop on it, means larvae can enter your body through your skin.

The larvae then travel via your bloodstream into your lungs and respiratory tract (windpipe, throat, nose, and mouth). You then swallow the larvae, which allows them to move into your intestines. Once in your gut, the larvae grow into adults that ‘hook’ themselves onto your intestinal wall, feed on your blood, and lay eggs.

This process can take a few months. Once there, hookworms can live in your body for years.

Rarely, a type of hookworm that lives in animals can infect humans.

Around 470 million people worldwide are thought to have a hookworm infection. You’re at higher risk of developing it if you:

- live in or travel to tropical or subtropical areas with poor sanitation (waste disposal)
- walk barefoot in places where infected poop may have contaminated the soil
- engage in poor hygiene practices, such as sanitation and not washing your hands
- come into contact with the feces of a person infected with hookworm
- work with and touch contaminated soil (such as in agriculture)
- eat food grown in contaminated soil.

## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed
Seek advice from your doctor if you have:

- an itchy, red rash that looks worm-shaped 
- diarrhea, sickness, and/or stomach ache that lasts for longer than 2 weeks
- worm eggs or worms in your poop
- weight loss, and you don’t know why.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Hookworm symptoms can take a while to develop, so you should tell them if you’ve been abroad in the past couple of years to any countries where hookworm infections are common.

To confirm a hookworm infection diagnosis, your doctor will likely request some tests. These may include:

- __a stool (poop) sample__ – to check for signs of hookworms and their eggs
- __blood tests__ – to measure your white blood cell levels (which can indicate the condition) and your iron levels.

## How is it treated? 

If you have a hookworm infection, your doctor will prescribe tablets, such as mebendazole. You will need to take medications for several days to get rid of the infection. 

If your blood tests show that you have iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will also prescribe iron supplements to help your iron levels return to normal.

## How to prevent hookworm
The good news is you reduce your risk of catching and developing a hookworm infection by:

- not walking barefoot outside, especially if you’re in a high-risk area
- washing your hands with soap before preparing food and eating
- washing your hands with soap after using the toilet
- washing fruit and vegetables well before eating them
- following good sanitation practices and using proper toilet facilities
- avoiding touching soil that may be contaminated with human feces
- not using fertilizer that contains human feces (poop)
- treating your pet dog or cat for hookworms
- washing your hands with soap, if you come into contact with animal feces.

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References

Chantelle Pattemore

Jo Wheatley

Dr Tamer T Malak

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Hookworm infection can lead to symptoms ranging from a rash to anemia. Learn how to treat and prevent it, and when to see a doctor.