Worms in Haiti

Soil transmitted helminths (STHs), commonly known as "worms," are common in Haiti.

The most common STHs in Haiti are Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiuria (whipworm), and Necator americanus (hookworm).

Ascaris (Roundworm)

Eggs are ingested by individuals through food that is not carefully washed or on dirty hands. Larvae can penetrate the skin directly. The eggs or larvae develop into adult worms, which produce eggs. Infected individuals contaminate the soil with their feces. Eggs develop in the soil, and this completes the cycle.

Once infected the child can develop abdominal pain and distension, intestinal obstruction, iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition and poor growth, allergic reactions, and lung disease.

Whipworm

Access to clean potable water, good hand washing before eating, and careful cleaning of local produce are important preventative measures.

The WHO recommends annual "deworming" with albendazole or mebendazole in countries where children are found to have a high prevalence of STHs. Annual treatment is recommended when 20 to 50% of school children are infected, and bi-annual treatment in countries when more than 50% are infected. Children in Haiti require annual treatment. 

Hookworm

The fifth column in the table below shows the prevalence (% of individuals with worms) reported in Haitian communities.

While working in Haiti, my treatment plans will include medication for STHs if the child has not received therapy in the prior year.