JAKARTA - Social media was shocked by the news that a toddler named Raya died due to a severe deworming infection. The results of the examination showed the presence of roundworms or Ascariaris lumbrioids in his body, which caused his condition to become more critical and lead to death.
The toddler came from Padangenyang Village, Cianaga Village, Kabandungan District, Sukabumi, West Java. He lives with his mother who has ODGJ (People with Mental Disorders) and his father who suffers from lung disease (TBC). This tragic incident caught the attention of the community, until it was responded directly to by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi.
This case is an important reminder that deworming is still a serious health problem in Indonesia. So how do worms enter the body?
Dr. Tri Ariwantar Wikanningtyas, Sp.PK, a pathologist, provides an explanation regarding how worms enter the body as well as preventive measures that can be taken.
According to dr. Tri Ariwantar, there are several entrances to the worm into the human body. First, the worm larvae can penetrate the skin of the hand or leg when in contact with polluted soil, especially mining worms.
Second, worm eggs can enter when dirty hands or nails contain roundworm eggs or cremi, touch food and then be swallowed. Third, through contaminated food or drinks.
Fourth, transmission can occur through contact with deworming sufferers, especially through hands. Fifth, consumption of meat that contains ribbonworms and is not cooked properly can also be the cause.
He also explained the types of worms that commonly attack humans. Bandworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) are integer in size, ranging from several millimeters to can reach two meters. This type of worm that is attacked by Raya is usually transmitted through dirty or contaminated food.
There is also a kremi worm (Enterobius vermicularis), a small white parasite resembling a thread that attacks the large intestine. Another type is a mine worm (Anchostoma duodenale/Necator acetinus), which can enter through food or skin that is in contact with polluted soil.
Finally, bandworms (Taenia solium/Taenia saginata) can live in human bodies as well as livestock such as cows, buffalo, and pigs.
"Worms that enter the human body can have an impact such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, decreased stomach pain, decreased weight, anemia, to infect the lungs and eyes," explained Dr. Tri Ariwantar, quoted from the website of Muhammadiyah University Jakarta.
Dr. Tri said anemia is a condition in the body where the level of hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood is lower than normal. This can be caused by cessation, where the appetite is reduced so that the nutritional intake needed to form hemoglobin in red blood cells is also reduced.
"Prolonged and severe worms can cause the surface of the intestine to damage. As a result, nutrients cannot be absorbed optimally so that nutrition is also lacking so that anemia can arise. In addition, certain types of worms, such as mine worms and caning worms, will attach to the membrane of intestinal mucus and suck blood, causing anemia," he continued.
Regarding the impact of worm infection on other organs, dr. Tri explains that when a worm egg enters the body and then hatches in the fluid intestine, the larvae can penetrate the intestinal wall and get carried away by the blood flow. When it reaches the lung, the body will activate immune cells such as eosinophiles and macrophages to fight it.
However, this reaction can cause allergies that damage lung tissue, a condition known as Loeffler Syndrome. Types of worms that can cause this include roundworms (Ascariasis sp.) and Strongyloides sp.
To prevent deworming disease, a clean and healthy lifestyle is very important to apply. Starting from diligently washing hands with soap and running water before eating or processing food, ensuring food and drinks are cooked to harvest, and washing fruit and vegetables with clean water before consumption.
In addition, wearing footwear when doing activities can prevent larvae from entering through the skin of the feet. Consumption of meat should also be cooked to a perfect cooked state, at least reaching a temperature of 63 degrees Celsius and left three minutes before eating.
Prevention can also be done by taking worm medicine regularly every six months. This program is run by the government through Posyandu in February and August, and is followed in PAUD, TK, and SD.
"If infected with worms, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine whether it is infected with worms, by analyzing the health and blood in the laboratory." said Dr. Tri.
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