• Roundworms
• Ascaris roundworm
• Whipworm
• Hookworm
• Threadworm
• Pinworm
• Flatworms
• Trematodes or Flukes
• Tapeworm
• Preventing infestation
• Deworming recommendations

Intestinal worms differ from each other in terms of the following: Firstly, their life cycles. Secondly, transmission. And finally, the symptoms they cause after infestation.

Roundworms are simple multicellular parasites with their own digestive system.

These are simple parasites without any circulatory or respiratory system. They feed off the blood and tissue of it’s host (people or animals) to survive.^2,6

To prevent intestinal worms, strict hygiene practices are needed, as well as regular deworming.^1,2
Hand washing:

• Wash hands before and after using the toilet.
• Wash hands before cooking or handling food, as well as before eating meals.

The spread of parasitic (worm) infections can occur directly or indirectly through objects contaminated with faeces. For instance food, water, fingers and fingernails. For this reason, handwashing is important to stop the spread of faecal-oral human-to-human transmission.¹⁰
Safe food practices:

• Thoroughly cook all types of meat before consumption.
• Similarly, never eat undercooked or raw meats.
• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
• Thoroughly wash and peel fruit or vegetables.
• Only use clean water.

Skin protection:

• Avoid swimming in sources of unclean water.
• Avoid walking barefoot in sandy areas where contamination with faecal matter is possible.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends annual deworming in areas where the prevalence of infections is 20 % or more and twice yearly deworming in areas where prevalence is over 50 %.
In South Africa, it is recommended that all members of the family get dewormed twice a year.