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Whether you are a seasoned globe trotter or about to embark on your first international travel experience, there are certain things you must know about the area you are traveling to.First of all, review the requirements and recommendations provided by the U.S. Department of State and the CDC’s Traveler’s Health. Secondly, find out if hookworms are endemic in the area you are traveling to. Will you be in a rural location or where sanitation is poor? If so, there are ways to prevent infection by hookworm. Always wear shoes in an endemic area. Avoid any direct skin contact with soil. Practice good hygiene .If you are traveling with children, take extra precautions. Symptoms Symptoms of hookworm infection include itching and rash where the skin touched the soil. This is from the penetration of the larvae through the skin. Light infections may not have symptoms, though heavy infections may cause anemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Treatment If you have come into contact with soil, and notice small, itchy red spots where contacted, seek medical attention. Medications are effective against adult worms only. Drugs used to treat hookworm are: Mebendazole (Vermox), Albendazole (Albenza), Pyrantel pamoate (Antiminth, Pin-X) |
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