These worms are not usually affected by extreme environmental conditions so they can be a problem in any area of the world. Hookworms become a problem for children when the child plays with the infected dog and comes into contact with the feces. This can occur when the dog has defecated and some of the feces is still on the hair or skin. This feces is then transmitted to the mouth by way of unwashed hands. Another way children can become infected is if they walk barefoot in grass or sand where a dog has defecated.
Younger children are at risk when they put dirt or sand into their mouths while playing.
The larva will then begin to mature while it moves towards the intestines. As in dogs, the hookworm will attach to the intestinal wall. Humans who have become infected will show symptoms of intestinal bleeding, abdominal pains, anemia, sever diarrhea and malnutrition. Information about hookworms in dogs and humans. Inc. PageWise makes no representations about the content published on this site.