Mysuru/Mysore: Every year, Feb. 10 is observed as National Deworming Day with an aim to eradicate intestinal worms among children in the age group of 1 to 19 years. On this day, deworming activity is carried out in all government and government-aided schools and colleges as well as Anganwadi Centres.
Intestinal worms are parasites which live in the human intestines. Infected people who defecate in the open spread the infection by contaminating the soil. There are three main types of intestinal worms that infect people: roundworm, whipworm and hookworms. These worms depend on the human body for their food and survival and lay thousands of eggs each day. Worm infestation spread from one person to another person through consumption of vegetables, which are not properly washed or cooked, contaminated water and outdoor activities. Children who play in soil often put their hands in their mouth without washing their hands.
