This type of roundworm spreads through poor hygiene. However, humanure contains the potential for harboring human pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms or their eggs, and thereby can contribute to the spread of disease when improperly managed or when discarded as a waste material. Treat feces-soiled decks, patios, and other surfaces with boiling water or a propane torch (please contact your local fire department for regulations and safety practices). To cover all of the parasites in detail would (and does) take up a book. When wild animals are kept as pets, there can be a risk of disease transmission to humans. Wash hand towels and bedding in hot water and detergent, and dry on high heat. Spirochetes are spiral-shaped bacteria that can live in the bloodstream, as well as in the intestine. J Egypt Soc Parasitol. The best protection against tapeworms is to the keep your dog free of fleas and away from dead animals and garbage. Policy. Roundworms can live in the human intestine for a long time. The risk factors for roundworm infection include: Diagnosing roundworm infection involves finding out which worm is causing the infection. How to Get Rid of Roaches Without Hurting My Cats, How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles & Caterpillars, Purdue University: Animal Damage Management: Raccoon Roundworm, Cornell University: Canine Roundworm Infections, Pennsylvania State University: Impact of Roundworms on Society. We take your privacy seriously. Its important to get a proper diagnosis for roundworms. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellant. Even though feces may not be visible, roundworm eggs may be present. Approximately 900 million people are infected with round-worms worldwide, one million in the United States. Step 1 Clean and disinfect litter boxes and scoops once a week in hot, soapy water. Much of this contamination is caused and spread by children who defecate outdoors within their living area. Less than 25 human cases of disease have occurred in the United States, but New York State is one of ten states where it has been reported. Americans may come into contact with them when traveling to certain countries. Washing your hands after working or playing outdoors is good practice for preventing a number of diseases. Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and especially sugar. Ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm, which causes an infection of the skin, hair, or claws. Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) are usually found in humans, but may also be found in monkeys or hogs. You can review and change the way we collect information below. First, lets define what a parasite is. Roundworms* and hookworms develop from eggs into larvae (immature worms). Children under 5 years old, or those weighing less than 15 kg (6.8 lb), Intestinal obstruction, caused by the roundworm itself, Inflammation of the intestines or gall bladder, Peritonitis, inflammation of the sac surrounding the abdomen, Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, Abnormal growth of the skin and surrounding soft tissue. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/18/2021. A person may also need surgery if the roundworm infection causes obstructions in the intestines or other organs. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Children are especially vulnerable if they put a dirty hand in their mouths or play in an infected sandbox. Very rarely, liver problems may result from roundworm larval migration.