Worms, or parasitic worms, are primarily caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Here's a breakdown of common causes:
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Contaminated Food and Water:
- Undercooked Meat and Seafood: Eating raw or undercooked meat (especially pork, beef, and fish) and seafood can expose you to worm larvae. These larvae can then mature and reproduce in your digestive system.
- Unclean Water: Drinking or accidentally swallowing water contaminated with worm eggs or larvae (e.g., while swimming in lakes or rivers) can lead to infection. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to water contamination.
- Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables: If fruits and vegetables are grown in contaminated soil or washed with contaminated water, they can harbor worm eggs. Thorough washing is crucial.
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Poor Hygiene Practices:
- Lack of Handwashing: Insufficient handwashing, especially after using the toilet and before handling food, can spread worm eggs from contaminated surfaces to your mouth.
- Contact with Contaminated Soil: Direct contact with soil contaminated with worm eggs, followed by touching your mouth, can result in infection. This is especially common in areas with poor sanitation.
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Direct Contact:
- Person-to-Person Transmission: Some worms, like pinworms, can spread easily from person to person through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as bedding, toys, or clothing. Shared personal items can facilitate transmission.
- Animal Contact: Some worms can be transmitted from animals to humans, especially if you're not practicing proper hygiene after interacting with pets or other animals.
Some worm infections may be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms. However, others can cause significant health problems if left untreated. These can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition.
