The first sign may be the passage of a live worm, usually in the faeces. In a severe infection, intestinal blockage may cause abdominal pain, particularly in children. People may also experience cough, wheezing and difficulty in breathing, or fever. Distribution of the disease Ascariasis is found worldwide. Infection occurs with greatest frequency in tropical and subtropical regions, and in any areas with inadequate sanitation.
Ascariasis is one of the most common human parasitic infections.
Worldwide, severe Ascaris infections cause approximately 60,000 deaths per year, mainly in children. The availability of water for use in personal hygiene as well as proper disposal of human faeces will also reduce the number of cases. Where wastewater is used for irrigation waste stabilization ponds and some other technologies are effective in decreasing transmission due to food grown in contaminated soil. Ascariasis can be effectively treated with mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate. Prepared for World Water Day.