Certain parasites that cause infections with diarrhea and fever are called roundworms. The types of roundworms that often infect humans include pinworms and ascariasis. Usually, these infections come from traveling to countries with poor sanitation and hygiene. However, children can get these infections in the U.S. too. In most cases, these parasitic infections are treated with medications.
These types of parasites are specific small organisms that can live in the intestine (a part of the digestive system). While they are living in the bowels, you may experience multiple problems, including belly pain, fever, and diarrhea. Moreover, these worms have long and round bodies and can be different in size, depending on the type. The eggs of these worms usually live in infected soil or stool (poop).
The infections caused by roundworms negatively affect hundreds of millions of people in the entire world. However, these parasites are not common in the United States, and people often become infected when traveling to some countries.
Additionally, parasitic infections are contagious, which means they can spread from one person to another. In most cases, people become infected with these parasites through direct contact with infected surfaces (such as soil).
Symptoms and Causes
The causes and symptoms are different because they depend on the type of roundworm, the severity of the infection, and overall health. For example:
Symptoms and Causes of Ascariasis
In such cases, the parasites spread through poor hygiene. Ascariasis usually lives in human feces and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. While most people with a roundworm infection of the intestines do not have symptoms, when they occur, you may notice the following ones. For example:
- Cough
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Malnutrition
- Growth delay
Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if any of the symptoms listed above occur.
Symptoms and Causes of Hookworm
In most cases, people get infected with this type of roundworm by walking barefoot on dirt mixed with infected poop. You may not notice symptoms if your overall health is good. However, some people may experience the following symptoms. For example:
- Anemia – This is a condition in which a person does not have enough red blood cells, which can make you feel tired and weak.
- Colic (a lot of crying and fussiness)
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Mild belly pain and intestinal cramps
Symptoms and Causes of Pinworm
This type of roundworm causes one of the most common parasitic infections in the U.S. Commonly, it affects children and spreads easily in daycare or school. The infection begins when the eggs enter the mouth and go to the intestines. Therefore, the eggs hatch and develop into adult pinworms.
Moreover, a female pinworm starts to lay her eggs in and around the anus. People usually do not realize they touch the eggs with their fingers. For instance, a small child may touch or scratch their bottom or not wash their hands after using the bathroom. Adults usually get infected when they change a diaper and then do not wash their hands. Thereafter, people may put their fingers in or near their mouths or touch surfaces. For example, bedding, clothing, toys, doorknobs, furniture, and faucets. These eggs can stay in the previous places up to 2 weeks.
Usually, people who develop infections due to pinworms have mild symptoms. For example, itching around the anus or vagina. In some cases, itching can become more intense, especially when parasites lay their eggs.
Symptoms and Causes of Strongyloidiasis
This type of roundworm primarily lives in tropical and subtropical areas, but it may also live in other regions during warm seasons. It infects humans when they touch contaminated soil. This type of parasite may also enter the body through the skin and then travel to the bowels. Check below some symptoms that may occur in people who get infected with this type of roundworm:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Burning in the abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Chronic diarrhea and unusual weight loss in severe cases
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the previous symptoms.
Symptoms and Causes of Trichinellosis
In such cases, the parasites negatively affect the muscles. People often get it through undercooked meat, especially pork, horse, walrus, sausage, and bear meat. Check below some symptoms that may occur in people with trichinellosis:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Eye infection
- Rashes
- High fever
- Muscle pain
- Swelling in the face and eyes
Symptoms and Causes of Whipworm
People often get this type of roundworm by touching it with their hands, eating food that has whipworm on it, or that was grown in contaminated soil. While most people who get infected with this parasite do not experience symptoms, some people may notice the following ones. For example:
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Stomach pain
- Anemia
- Unusual weight loss
It is very important to get treatment if you have a parasitic infection because it may cause serious health problems over time. That’s why it is recommended to visit a doctor as soon as possible if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Risk Factors
While anyone can get these infections, some people are more likely to develop them. For example, people who live in poverty (especially in underdeveloped areas of the world), in warm climates, or in an institution (such as a prison or mental health facility). Furthermore, people who do not practice good hygiene are also at increased risk of developing parasitic infections.
How to Prevent Roundworms?
There are some tips that may help prevent parasitic infections caused by roundworms. Examples include:
- Pet safety – These include cleaning and deworming your pets regularly. Discuss with a vet for more details.
- Good hygiene – For example, do not let your children play near animals’ poop, teach them to avoid eating dirt and soil, and regularly wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom.
- Food and drink safety – Examples include do not eat raw fruits and vegetables in areas with poor sanitation, avoid raw and undercooked meats (including meat from wild animals and pork, poultry, beef, or fish), drink only bottled water (especially when traveling), and wash garden-grown fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease. Thereafter, doctors may ask some questions about the symptoms and your medical history to get more clues about the infection. Some people may also need a stool and blood test to confirm the condition. You should also inform your doctor if you have:
- Come in direct contact with wild animals or infected pets
- Eaten raw or undercooked meats
- Noticed a worm in your stool
- Traveled to areas with poor hygiene and sanitation last 48 months
Treatment
Commonly, doctors prescribe Albendazole to treat parasitic infections. It helps prevent the larvae from getting bigger or multiplying. Thereafter, the worms pass through the stools, and people may not even notice it happens. Sometimes, you may need to perform additional tests after treatment to make sure the parasites have gone. In more severe cases, people may need Iron supplements to help with anemia, and prescription topical medicine to relieve itching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parasite?
In general, roundworms are specific organisms that need to live on or in another creature to survive. Usually, parasites cause problems for their host. In the case of roundworms, they need the bodies of humans or animals to mature into egg-laying adults.
How does a person get infected with roundworms?
While many parasites enter the body through the mouth, some of them can infect humans from touching poop or soil. For instance, pinworm infections occur from touching eggs laid near the opening of the buttocks (anus).
Can I get roundworms from my pets?
Yes, some people can be exposed to the eggs or larvae in the animals’ stool. However, you can consult with a veterinarian about protecting you and your pets from this type of parasite. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
