Getting To Know Ascariasis, The Cause Of Sukabumi's Child's Death Because His Body Was Filled With Sunworms

Illustration of worms in the body (istockphoto)

JAKARTA - The death of a 4-year-old girl named Raya in Sukabumi shocked the public. He died after battling a deworming disease known as acariasis (Ascarias lumbriides).

This case emerged after the upload of Raya's condition went viral on social media. In the upload, it was revealed that very many worms had spread to Raya's vital organs, such as the lungs and brain.

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, ascariasis is the most common parasitic infection in the world, caused by roundworms. This disease is transmitted through food or drinks, which are contaminated with worm eggs from human waste.

After entering the body, the worm eggs hatch in the intestines and the worm larvae spread through the bloodstream. In the early stages, these parasitic infections cause symptoms such as other diseases, so they are often neglected.

"Ascariasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by roundworms," said Dr. Mohan on YouTube Manipal Hospitals.

"There are mild symptoms of discomfort and stomach pain, symptoms such as cough, rash, and so on. These symptoms occur due to the migration of worms in the body," he added.

However, if not treated immediately, this infection could cause various serious complaints. Symptoms vary according to the phase of the disease, such as in the early phase (larva) which will cause cough, short breath, fever, similar to asthma or pneumonia.

In the advanced phase (of adult tape), it can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Serious complications can also occur ranging from intestinal blockage due to clots, disturbances in bile and pancreas channels, spread to the lungs, respiratory tract, to the brain as experienced by Raya.

"But infection can be severe, with strong stomach pain, bloating stomach, and even stomach obstruction due to worms," he explained.

In children themselves who are infected with this disease and not treated properly, it can cause poor growth. They can also experience a lack of nutrients that will disrupt growth and development, even threaten their lives.

"Children who are infected experience poor growth and lack of nutrition," concluded Doctor Mohan.

Ascariasis treatment generally involves administering antihemic drugs (worm drugs), such as albenazole, mebendazole, or ivermectin. In severe cases or accompanied by complications such as intestinal blockage, surgery may be needed.

In addition to treatment, it is important to treat this disease to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, in order to prevent transmission or infection. Make sure to eat clean foods and drinks.