Roundworm infection (ascariasis) is a common parasitic disease caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. People become infected when they swallow the worm’s eggs, which are found in soil, food, or water contaminated with human feces. This usually happens in areas with poor sanitation. After the eggs are swallowed, they hatch in the small intestine. The young worms (called larvae) travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, are then coughed up and swallowed again, and finally grow into adult worms in the small intestine.
Global estimates suggest that about 11% of people living in affected regions, around 732 million individuals, were infected in 2021. Earlier estimates placed the number even higher, ranging from 800 million to 1.2 billion worldwide. The infection is most common in children, people in rural settings, and communities in low-income countries where sanitation and hygiene are limited. Although ascariasis occurs worldwide, it is most widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Many people with a mild infection have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Heavy or long-lasting infections can lead to more serious problems, such as poor nutrition, breathing difficulties caused by larvae in the lungs, or, in rare cases, a blockage of the intestines. Severe or untreated infections may also affect children’s growth and learning.
Treatment usually involves taking antiparasitic medicines such as albendazole, mebendazole, or ivermectin. Surgery is rarely needed but may be required if complications like intestinal blockage occur.
Preventing ascariasis depends on improving sanitation and hygiene. Important measures include proper waste disposal, access to clean water, washing or cooking foods grown in contaminated soil, and frequent hand-washing.
Taxonomy and Classification of Roundworm Infection
Roundworms involved in human infection, including Ascaris lumbricoides, belong to the phylum Nematoda, one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom. Nematodes fall under the domain Eukarya, meaning their cells contain a true nucleus. More than 25,000 species of nematodes have been formally described, although scientific estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands to over a million species may exist worldwide, many of which remain undiscovered. This enormous diversity includes both free-living species and parasitic forms that affect plants, animals, and humans.
Within the phylum Nematoda, organisms are grouped into several classes based on their morphology (body structure), reproductive characteristics, and molecular genetics. Two major classes are:
- Chromadorea – which includes many parasitic nematodes of medical importance, including Ascaris. Species in this class often have specialized sensory structures and complex reproductive systems.
- Enoplea – a group that includes both free-living and parasitic species, typically distinguished by features of their esophagus and cuticle.
Further classification into orders, families, genera, and species helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships, trace patterns of host–parasite interactions, and design targeted control strategies.
Overview of Nematodes
Nematodes show remarkable variety in size and habitat. They can be microscopic or grow to several tens of centimeters in length, as seen in adult Ascaris worms. Despite their size differences, nematodes share a basic cylindrical body plan with tapered ends and no body segmentation, distinguishing them from segmented worms like earthworms.
All nematodes possess a complete digestive system, meaning they have a separate mouth and anus. This one-way digestive route allows efficient processing of nutrients and is an adaptation that supports survival in diverse environments, from deep-sea sediments to the intestines of humans.
Movement in nematodes relies on a hydrostatic skeleton, a system where internal fluid pressure within the body cavity maintains shape and supports locomotion. Their outer surface is covered by a tough cuticle, a protective layer rich in collagen. This cuticle is periodically shed and replaced during growth, a process known as molting, which occurs several times throughout the nematode life cycle.
Nematodes have successfully adapted to nearly every environment on Earth. They inhabit:
- Soil ecosystems, where they play important roles in nutrient cycling.
- Freshwater and marine environments, where they contribute to aquatic food webs.
- Plant tissues, where parasitic species can cause major agricultural losses.
- Animal and human hosts, where parasitic species complete all or part of their life cycle.
This adaptability contributes to their status as one of the most ecologically successful and widely distributed groups of animals.
Distinguishing Features
Several anatomical and physiological characteristics distinguish nematodes from other worm-like organisms:
- Body structure: Nematodes have smooth, cylindrical bodies with pointed ends. They lack segmentation, meaning their bodies are not divided into repeating units.
- Pseudocoelom: They possess a pseudocoelom—a fluid-filled body cavity that is only partially lined with mesoderm (one of the three primary tissue layers). This cavity acts as both a circulatory system and a hydrostatic skeleton.
- Cuticle: The outer cuticle is thick and resilient, giving the worm protection from environmental stress and, in parasitic species, shielding them from host immune responses. This cuticle may have surface markings or ridges depending on the species.
- Nervous system: Nematodes have a simple but efficient nervous system consisting of a nerve ring around the pharynx (throat region) and paired nerve cords running along the length of the body. This system coordinates movement and sensory responses.
- Symmetry: Like many animals, nematodes exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning the left and right sides of their body mirror each other.
- Movement: Locomotion occurs through longitudinal muscles that contract in a whip-like pattern. Because nematodes lack circular muscles, their movement is restricted to bending motions rather than peristaltic waves.
These structural features make nematodes well-suited for survival in multiple environments, whether free-living in soil or living as parasites within human hosts. In parasitic species like Ascaris, these adaptations, especially the cuticle and efficient nutrient absorption, are essential for withstanding digestive enzymes and immune defenses within the host.
Life Cycle of Roundworms
Roundworms develop through distinct stages, starting from eggs and progressing through larval phases before reaching adulthood. Their transmission to hosts occurs through various means, enabling their life cycle to continue in different environments.
Egg Stage
The life cycle begins when adult female roundworms produce eggs, which are released into the environment or remain within a host depending on the species. For parasitic species such as Ascaris lumbricoides, eggs are passed in the feces of an infected host and often end up in soil or water. These eggs are protected by thick, multilayered shells that shield them from environmental stresses such as dehydration, chemicals, and ultraviolet radiation. This protective covering allows many roundworm eggs to survive for months to years in soil.
Each egg contains an embryo, which undergoes a period of development before it becomes viable. For many species, including human roundworms, proper development requires warm, moist, and oxygen-rich conditions, typically found in tropical and subtropical climates. Temperature and humidity strongly influence how long eggs remain infectious. Under ideal conditions, Ascaris eggs can become infective within 2 to 4 weeks.
Roundworm eggs are microscopic, which facilitates their spread through:
- Contaminated soil or surfaces
- Water runoff during rainfall
- Wind dispersal, in some cases
- Transport by insects or animals
Because the eggs are invisible to the naked eye, exposure can occur without a person realizing it, which is one reason ascariasis is widespread in regions with poor sanitation.
Larval Development
Once conditions are suitable, the eggs hatch into larvae, the immature form of the worm. Larvae typically pass through four developmental stages (L1–L4), shedding their cuticle in a process called molting after each stage to allow for growth. Molting is a defining characteristic of nematodes and is controlled by hormonal and genetic mechanisms.
The route larvae take after hatching depends on the species:
- Free-living species remain in soil or sediment, feeding on bacteria, fungi, or decaying organic matter.
- Parasitic plant nematodes may burrow into plant roots, causing major agricultural damage.
- Animal and human parasites often migrate through the host’s tissues.
In the case of human roundworms such as Ascaris lumbricoides, the larvae hatch in the small intestine and then migrate through the bloodstream to the liver, lungs, and eventually back to the intestine. This migration is an essential part of their development, allowing the larvae to mature and eventually become reproductive adults. During this journey, larvae feed on nutrients absorbed from the host’s tissues or intestinal contents.
Some parasitic species can enter a dormant larval stage when environmental conditions are unfavorable, reactivating only when a new host is available. This ability contributes to their long-term survival and persistence in the environment.
Adult Stage
Adult roundworms may live freely in the environment or inside hosts, depending on the species. Free-living adults typically inhabit soil, sediments, or aquatic environments, where they contribute to nutrient cycling. Parasitic adults reside in host tissues, commonly the intestines, lungs, bloodstream, or lymphatic system.
Adult roundworms are elongated, cylindrical organisms. Parasitic adults often develop anatomical adaptations that help them survive inside the host, such as:
- Thick cuticles that resist digestive enzymes
- Strong mouthparts for anchoring to intestinal walls
- Highly efficient nutrient absorption systems
Reproduction occurs almost exclusively at this stage. Female roundworms can produce tens of thousands to over 200,000 eggs per day, depending on the species. In humans, adult Ascaris worms can live for 1–2 years, continually releasing eggs that perpetuate the cycle if they reach a suitable environment.
In host organisms, adult roundworms can cause:
- Tissue irritation or damage
- Nutrient loss and malnutrition
- Blockages or inflammation
- Immune responses that may worsen symptoms
Because of the high reproductive capacity of adult parasites, even a small number of adult worms can lead to widespread environmental contamination if sanitation is inadequate.
Modes of Transmission
Roundworms have evolved several strategies to move between hosts or from the environment into a host, ensuring the continuation of their life cycle. Transmission methods vary by species:
1. Ingestion (most common route)
Humans and animals often become infected by swallowing eggs or larvae through:
- Contaminated food
- Contaminated water
- Soil on unwashed hands
- Surfaces exposed to fecal matter
This is the primary transmission method for Ascaris and many soil-transmitted helminths.
2. Skin Penetration
Some nematode larvae, such as hookworm species, can penetrate human skin directly—often through bare feet contacting contaminated soil.
3. Vector Transmission
A few parasitic roundworms rely on insects or other arthropods to transfer larvae to new hosts. For example, filarial worms that cause lymphatic filariasis are transmitted through mosquito bites.
4. Tissue Migration Within Hosts
Certain species can migrate through tissues internally before maturing, which can enhance survival and allow the parasite to evade the host’s immune system.
Human infection is most likely to occur in areas where sanitation is poor, where fecal matter contaminates the environment, or where people frequently come into contact with untreated soil or water.
Types of Roundworm Infections
Roundworm infections vary depending on the host species and transmission paths. Different roundworms impact humans, animals, and some can infect both, often with significant health effects.
Human-Infesting Species
A number of roundworm species are obligate human parasites, meaning they require humans to complete their life cycles. Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides is the most widespread and clinically significant. This species resides in the small intestine, where adult worms may reach lengths of 20–35 cm, making them among the largest intestinal parasites of humans. Infections can lead to a range of outcomes, from no symptoms in mild cases to abdominal pain, malnutrition, impaired growth in children, and potentially life-threatening intestinal obstruction in heavy infections.
Another common human-infecting roundworm is Enterobius vermicularis, known as the pinworm. This parasite is especially prevalent among children and is one of the most frequently diagnosed parasitic infections in high-income and low-income countries alike. Female pinworms migrate to the anal region at night to lay eggs, causing intense itching, sleep disturbance, and irritability. Because eggs spread easily through contaminated hands, bedding, clothing, and classroom surfaces, pinworm infections are highly transmissible in schools, daycare centers, and crowded households.
Trichuris trichiura, commonly called whipworm, infects the large intestine and embeds part of its body into the intestinal lining. Light infections often cause minimal symptoms, but heavier infections can result in chronic diarrhea, anemia, abdominal discomfort, and, in severe pediatric cases, rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum protrudes from the anus. Like Ascaris, whipworm is a soil-transmitted helminth, and exposure typically occurs in regions where sanitation is poor and human feces contaminate the environment.
Other human roundworms include species such as Strongyloides stercoralis, which can persist for decades inside the host through a unique ability to reproduce without leaving the body, leading to chronic infections that may become severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Animal-Infesting Species
Many roundworms primarily infect animals, where they can cause significant health and economic impacts. In domestic pets, livestock, and wildlife, these parasites often affect growth, reproduction, and overall well-being.
One of the most well-known animal roundworms is Toxocara canis, a common parasite in dogs. Puppies are especially vulnerable, often becoming infected through transplacental transmission (before birth) or through their mother’s milk. The burden of infection can lead to poor growth, coughing, pneumonia-like symptoms, bloated abdomen, and digestive disturbances. Adult dogs often carry lower-level infections but continue shedding eggs into the environment, contributing to persistent contamination.
In horses, Parascaris equorum, commonly called the equine roundworm, primarily affects foals and young horses. Heavy infections can cause colic, respiratory signs during larval migration, intestinal blockage, and in some cases fatal intestinal rupture. Effective management in equine facilities often requires regular deworming and sanitation of stables.
Livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs are affected by various nematode species, including strongyles, lungworms, and stomach worms. These infections may cause weight loss, anemia, reduced milk production, poor feed efficiency, and decreased reproductive performance. Because many livestock nematodes have life cycles linked to pasture conditions, improper grazing management can promote rapid spread and reinfection.
Wildlife populations also harbor diverse nematode species, which sometimes spill over to domestic animals or affect ecological balance by influencing predator–prey relationships.
Zoonotic Roundworms
Some roundworm species that primarily infect animals can also infect humans—a category known as zoonotic roundworms. These parasites typically cannot complete their life cycle in the human body but may cause significant tissue damage when their larvae migrate through human organs.
One of the most medically important zoonotic species is Toxocara canis in dogs and Toxocara cati in cats. When humans accidentally ingest eggs from contaminated soil, sandboxes, or pet environments, the larvae hatch and migrate through organs in a condition called visceral larva migrans (VLM). This can cause fever, coughing, abdominal pain, liver enlargement, and inflammation in various tissues. If larvae enter the eye, they may cause ocular larva migrans (OLM), leading to vision impairment or permanent damage.
Another notable zoonotic species is Ancylostoma braziliense, a hookworm of dogs and cats. When its larvae penetrate human skin, often through bare feet or contact with contaminated sand, they cause cutaneous larva migrans, a condition marked by itchy, winding, serpentine tracks under the skin. Although the infection does not progress internally in humans, it can cause significant discomfort and requires medical treatment.
Additional zoonotic nematodes, such as Baylisascaris procyonis from raccoons, can cause severe neurological disease in humans due to aggressive larval migration through the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of Roundworm Infections
Roundworm infections present with a variety of symptoms that can affect multiple organ systems.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The digestive system is the primary site of adult roundworms, so most symptoms begin here. Once roundworms reach the small intestine, they interfere with the normal digestive processes and nutrient absorption.
Abdominal Discomfort and Pain
Many infected individuals develop abdominal pain, which may present as:
- A dull ache around the belly button
- Cramping related to worm movement
- General discomfort after eating
In cases where worm burden is high, the intestines can become distended, causing a swollen or visibly enlarged abdomen. This is often seen in children with chronic or untreated infections.
Digestive Disturbances
Nausea and vomiting are frequent symptoms, particularly when worms irritate the intestinal lining. Some individuals may even vomit worms during heavy infestations—a sign that requires urgent medical care.
Diarrhea is also common and may become:
- Intermittent, appearing in cycles
- Persistent, especially in whipworm infections
- Severe enough to cause dehydration in vulnerable individuals
On the other hand, some patients may experience constipation if intestinal motility becomes disrupted by worm presence.
Malnutrition and Weight Loss
Roundworms compete with the host for nutrients. Over time, this can lead to:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Deficiency of key vitamins and minerals
- Failure to thrive in children
Whipworm and Ascaris infections are especially known for causing malnutrition because of continuous irritation and damage to the gut lining, leading to reduced nutrient uptake.
Intestinal Obstruction
In heavy infections, masses of worms can physically block the small intestine. This presents as:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Forceful vomiting
- Distended abdomen
Intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency and occurs most often in children due to their smaller intestinal diameter.
Respiratory Manifestations
Many roundworms, including Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms, have a lung migration phase. After hatching in the intestines, larvae often enter the bloodstream, travel to the lungs, and then move up the airway before being swallowed again.
Initial Lung Symptoms
When larvae penetrate lung tissue, the immune system responds. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing similar to asthma
- Hoarseness or throat discomfort
- Mild chest pains
These symptoms often cause misdiagnosis as respiratory infections, bronchitis, or allergies.
Eosinophilic Pneumonia (Löffler’s Syndrome)
In some individuals, especially when many larvae migrate at once, the lungs become inflamed. This condition, called Löffler’s syndrome, is characterized by:
- Intense coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Production of blood-tinged mucus
- Fever
- Elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell that responds to parasites)
This phase typically appears 1–2 weeks after infection and may resolve on its own, but medical evaluation is important to prevent complications.
Heightened Severity in Children
Because children have narrower airways and developing immune systems, respiratory symptoms can be more pronounced. Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and sleep disturbances are common signs during the pulmonary phase.
Systemic Complications
Although roundworms primarily affect the intestines and lungs, their impact can extend across the entire body, especially in long-term or untreated infections.
Generalized Weakness and Fatigue
Nutrient deficiency, chronic inflammation, and the body’s ongoing immune response often cause:
- Persistent tiredness
- Reduced energy levels
- Poor concentration in school-aged children
These symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to lifestyle or diet until the underlying parasitic cause is identified.
Fever and Immune Responses
Low-grade fever can occur when the immune system reacts to migrating larvae or dying worms. Allergic-type reactions may also appear due to sensitivity to worm antigens, leading to:
- Skin rashes
- Itching
- Mild swelling around the eyes or joints
These signs are more common in zoonotic infections such as Toxocara.
Growth Retardation in Children
Children are highly vulnerable to long-term effects of roundworm infections. Chronic infestation can lead to:
- Stunted height
- Delayed cognitive development
- Poor school performance
The combination of nutrient loss, inflammation, and appetite suppression contributes significantly to these developmental impacts.
Migration to Other Organs
In rare cases, worms, or more commonly their larvae, wander into organs not suited for their development. This can result in:
- Liver pain or swelling when larvae pass through liver tissue
- Pancreatic inflammation if worms enter pancreatic ducts
- Appendicitis if they block the appendix
- Biliary obstruction if worms enter bile ducts
Zoonotic species such as Toxocara can migrate to tissues like the brain or eyes, causing inflammation. While rare, these complications require urgent medical attention.
Diagnosis of Roundworm Infections
Stool sample analysis remains the cornerstone of laboratory diagnosis for roundworm infections and is widely used due to its reliability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. This method involves the microscopic examination of freshly collected stool specimens for the presence of characteristic roundworm eggs or larvae. These eggs typically appear as oval structures with thick, often mammillated shells, depending on the species involved. Because egg shedding may occur intermittently, particularly in light infections, multiple stool samples collected over several consecutive days are routinely recommended to improve detection rates. Various concentration techniques, including flotation and sedimentation procedures, are employed to increase the likelihood of identifying eggs when parasite loads are low. These methods work by separating parasite eggs from fecal debris, allowing clearer visualization under the microscope. However, stool analysis is limited by its inability to detect larvae during their migratory phases in tissues, making it less effective for infections in early developmental stages. Proper collection, preservation, and processing of stool samples are essential to avoid false-negative results. Once eggs are identified, the diagnosis is confirmed, and appropriate therapeutic interventions can be initiated.
Serological testing serves as a valuable adjunct to stool examination, especially in cases where stool samples are repeatedly negative but clinical suspicion remains high. These tests detect parasite-specific antibodies or circulating antigens in the blood, providing indirect evidence of infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and indirect hemagglutination assays are among the most commonly utilized methods due to their sensitivity and suitability for screening large populations. Serology is particularly useful during the early stages of infection, when larvae migrate through tissues and have not yet matured to egg-producing adults within the intestines. Nevertheless, serological tests have limitations, as the presence of antibodies may indicate past exposure rather than an active infection. Cross-reactivity with antibodies from other helminthic infections may also occur, complicating interpretation. For this reason, serological results are often considered in the context of clinical presentation, exposure history, and other laboratory findings, rather than as standalone diagnostic markers.
Imaging techniques contribute additional diagnostic support, particularly in complex or systemic roundworm infections involving tissue migration. Although imaging cannot directly visualize roundworms, it can reveal structural abnormalities, inflammatory reactions, or lesions associated with larval presence. Ultrasound is frequently employed to assess hepatic or biliary involvement, especially in cases of Ascaris migration into the bile ducts. X-rays may demonstrate intestinal obstruction caused by large worm burdens or detect pulmonary infiltrates arising during larval migration through the lungs. More advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reserved for identifying organ-specific damage, including hepatic granulomas, pulmonary nodules, or ocular involvement seen in zoonotic infections like toxocariasis. Imaging findings often correlate with serological results and clinical symptoms, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy in cases where non-invasive tests yield inconclusive results.
Treatment Options for Roundworms
Treatment for roundworm infections typically involves medications to eliminate the parasites and supportive measures to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Anthelmintic Medications
Treatment of roundworm infections relies primarily on the use of anthelmintic medications, which are effective, widely available, and generally well tolerated. These drugs target different aspects of nematode physiology, including glucose uptake, energy metabolism, and neuromuscular activity, ultimately leading to parasite immobilization and death. Albendazole and mebendazole, two benzimidazole derivatives, are considered first-line therapies for many roundworm species, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and species causing zoonotic infections.
Albendazole is commonly administered as a single 400-mg dose for adults and older children, while younger children may receive adjusted doses according to age and weight. Mebendazole is often prescribed as a 100-mg dose twice daily for three days or a single 500-mg dose, depending on regional treatment guidelines. Pyrantel pamoate is another widely used medication, particularly in community-based deworming programs, due to its safety profile and suitability for children; it works by causing neuromuscular paralysis in the worms, allowing them to be expelled naturally through the intestines.
In cases of heavy worm burden, especially in children, clinicians may opt for repeated dosing to ensure complete eradication and to address reinfection, which is common in areas with poor sanitation. Reinfection rates for Ascaris can exceed 60% within one year in endemic regions, highlighting the need for follow-up treatment and prevention efforts.
Side effects of anthelmintics are typically mild and transient, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, headache, or dizziness. Rarely, severe reactions may occur due to inflammatory responses triggered by the death of large numbers of worms. For patients with coexisting parasitic infections, such as hookworm or whipworm, combination therapy or sequential treatment may be recommended to maximize efficacy. In the case of zoonotic roundworm infections like toxocariasis, treatment may include longer courses of albendazole combined with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation caused by migrating larvae.
Supportive Care
Roundworm infections can impair nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, and protein, contributing to anemia, stunted growth, and weakened immunity. Nutritional supplementation is therefore vital; iron therapy may be prescribed for anemia, while multivitamins help correct micronutrient deficiencies. Ensuring adequate caloric intake and a balanced diet supports intestinal healing and strengthens the body’s ability to recover from parasitic damage. Hydration is also important, particularly if the infection causes diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
In cases where heavy worm loads cause complications, such as intestinal obstruction, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis, more advanced interventions may be necessary. Intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris is more common in children and can present with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool. Management may involve nasogastric decompression, intravenous fluids, and, in rare instances, surgical removal of the obstructing worms. Endoscopic procedures may be required when adult worms migrate into the biliary tree or pancreatic ducts.
Prevention of Roundworm Transmission
Effective prevention requires attention to hygiene, contamination control, and responsible animal care.
Sanitation Practices
- Proper sanitation is essential in limiting roundworm transmission.
- Surfaces and areas where children play should be cleaned regularly to remove soil that may contain roundworm eggs.
- Handwashing with soap and water after outdoor activities, gardening, or handling soil reduces the chance of ingesting eggs.
- Public and private restrooms must be well-maintained to prevent fecal contamination.
- Disposal of human and animal waste should follow recommended protocols to avoid environmental contamination.
- Using gloves when cleaning pet waste and washing hands afterward minimizes exposure to roundworm eggs.
Food and Water Safety
- Consuming thoroughly cooked meat and properly washed vegetables minimizes roundworm infection risk.
- Washing fruits and vegetables under running water helps remove any soil or eggs clinging to surfaces.
- Drinking water should come from safe, treated sources.
- Avoid consuming untreated water from wells, rivers, or lakes, which may harbor parasites.
- Food handlers must maintain strict hygiene, including handwashing before handling food.
- Avoiding raw or undercooked meat is especially important as it can contain larval roundworms.
- Freezing meat to appropriate temperatures can also kill larvae, reducing infection likelihood.
Pet and Animal Management
Regular deworming of pets, especially dogs and cats, is critical to controlling roundworm transmission. Yearly veterinary check-ups help detect and treat infections early.
Prevent animals from eating rodents or feces, which can contain roundworm larvae. Limiting pet access to playgrounds or sandboxes helps protect children from exposure.
Pet owners should clean litter boxes and yards daily, wearing gloves and washing hands afterward. Proper disposal of pet feces prevents environmental contamination and reduces infection risk for humans.