3 Types of Worms Endemic to Indonesia That Can Infect Humans
YOGYAKARTA – Worm infections are often overlooked and considered harmless, yet they can disrupt children's growth and development and hinder their concentration in school. In Indonesia, several endemic worms (found only in certain areas) have the potential to infect children. Therefore, it is important to understand the types of worms endemic to Indonesia to understand the mechanism of infection and prevent them.
Types of Endemic Worms in Indonesia
Compiled from various sources, here are several types of endemic worms in Indonesia that pose a risk of infecting children:
- Tapeworm
The first type of worm endemic to Indonesia is the tapeworm (Taenia). Tapeworm infection can occur through consuming undercooked meat and can cause a disease called taeniasis.
According to pmc.ncbi, cases of taeniasis are quite rare in Indonesia, as most Indonesians do not consume raw meat.
However, cases of worm infections are still found in several regions, such as Papua, Bali, and North Sumatra. In Bali, for example, cases of beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) infection are quite common due to the habit of consuming lawar (a dish made from raw beef).
In Papua, cases of pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) infection have been reported since 1973, particularly in the Paniai and Jayawijaya Regencies. This parasite infects not only humans but also pigs and dogs.
- Bloodworms
Next, there are blood flukes (Schistosoma), parasites that can live in human blood or organs.
According to research published in PubMed, in Indonesia, cases of blood fluke infection (Schistosomiasis japonicum) have been found in three remote areas of Central Sulawesi: the Lindu, Napu, and Bada Valleys. This disease has been a public health problem in Lindu and Napu for over 70 years since its first discovery. However, the Bada Valley was only discovered as endemic in 2008.
In addition to infecting humans, blood flukes also infect 13 species of mammals in the surrounding endemic areas, including wild rats, wild boar, deer, shrews, civets, and livestock such as cattle, buffalo, and horses.
- Roundworms
Another type of worm endemic to Indonesia is the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides). Roundworm infection can cause a disease called ascariasis.
Roundworm infection occurs when humans accidentally consume food or drink contaminated with roundworm eggs. Transmission can also occur through hand-to-mouth contact after touching soil or surfaces containing roundworm eggs.
According to research, roundworm infections in Indonesia are more common in children, with a prevalence of 31.8 percent among school-age children. This is often linked to environmental conditions and poor daily hygiene.
To address this, the government has implemented a mass deworming program with albendazole twice a year for schoolchildren. This program has been shown to significantly reduce the rate of worm infections.
How to Prevent Worm Infections
Quoted from AI-Care, here are some things you can do to prevent worm infections:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after playing with or touching frequently used objects.
- Regularly trim and clean your nails. Also, avoid nail biting or putting your fingers in your mouth, as this can increase the risk of spreading parasitic worms.
- Clean your environment regularly.
- Take deworming medication at least every six months to prevent worm infections.
That concludes the information on the types of worms endemic to Indonesia. Get more selected news updates only on VOI.ID.