Ascariasis in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention (2025 Updated Guide)

Ascariasis is one of the most common intestinal parasitic infections in the world—especially in regions with poor sanitation. Caused by a roundworm called Ascaris lumbricoides, it primarily affects children under the age of 10 and can silently trigger health complications if not diagnosed early.

In this guide, we break down everything parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers need to know about ascariasis in 2025—including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and crucial prevention tips to keep families safe.

What Is Ascariasis?

Ascariasis is a soil-transmitted helminth infection caused by ingestion of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs—usually through contaminated food, water, or unwashed hands. Once inside the body, the eggs hatch into larvae, migrate through the bloodstream, reach the lungs, and then are coughed up and swallowed again—eventually maturing into adult worms in the small intestine.

It is most prevalent in developing countries, including parts of India, sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Ascariasis Is NOT a Virus

Let’s clarify this first: Ascariasis is caused by a parasitic worm, not a virus. It is a helminthic (worm-based) infection and cannot be treated with antiviral drugs.

The culprit, Ascaris lumbricoides, is a large roundworm that can grow up to 30–35 cm (12–14 inches) and lay up to 200,000 eggs per day in the host’s intestines.

How Does Ascariasis Spread?

The main cause of ascariasis is ingestion of Ascaris eggs found in:

• Contaminated soil (especially where open defecation is practiced)
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables fertilized with untreated human waste
• Unfiltered drinking water in rural areas
• Dirty hands—especially in young children who play in soil and put hands in their mouths

Common Symptoms of Ascariasis in Children

Many children with mild infections show no symptoms. However, moderate to heavy infestations may lead to:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue or irritability
• Diarrhea or irregular bowel movements
• Worms visible in vomit or stool
• Persistent dry cough (during the larval lung migration phase)
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing (in pulmonary ascariasis)
• Intestinal blockage (in severe cases—may require surgery)

Diagnosis of Ascariasis

Healthcare providers may use the following to diagnose an infection:

• Stool sample analysis (to detect eggs or worms under a microscope)
• Blood test (may show increased eosinophil count)
• Abdominal ultrasound or X-ray (for detecting intestinal obstructions)
• Chest X-ray (if worms have migrated to the lungs)

Best Treatment for Ascariasis in 2025

Anthelmintic medications are the gold standard:

These medications are safe for children and usually have minimal side effects.

In rare, severe cases with intestinal blockage or biliary ascariasis, surgery or endoscopy may be required to remove the worms.

Can Ascariasis Be Prevented?

Yes—and prevention is the key to long-term control, especially in resource-limited areas. Here’s how:

✅ Hygiene and Sanitation Measures:

• Always wash hands with soap after defecation and before meals
• Boil or filter water before drinking
• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly (especially leafy ones)
• Promote toilet usage to prevent open defecation
• Avoid walking barefoot where sanitation is poor

Deworming Programs (India & Global)

• The Government of India runs biannual deworming campaigns under the National Deworming Day (NDD) initiative for school-aged children (1–19 years).
• WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA) in high-prevalence regions.

Global Burden of Ascariasis (2025)

• An estimated 800 million to 1.2 billion people are infected worldwide (mostly in tropical and subtropical regions)
• India remains a high-burden country, particularly in rural states with poor sanitation
• According to WHO and CDC, ascariasis is a leading cause of impaired childhood growth and cognitive development in endemic areas

FAQs: What People Are Asking About Ascariasis in 2025

❓ Is Ascariasis contagious from person to person?

No. It’s not spread by direct contact but through ingestion of eggs from contaminated environments.

❓ How long do Ascaris worms live in the body?

Adult worms can survive for 1–2 years inside the small intestine if untreated.

❓ How do I know if my child has worms?

Look for visible worms in stool, persistent belly pain, weight loss, and consult a doctor for stool testing.

❓ Can pets transmit Ascaris?

No. Ascariasis is a human-specific parasite. However, other types of roundworms (like Toxocara) may affect dogs and cats.

❓ Are home remedies effective?

While papaya seeds and garlic are often mentioned, they’re not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a pediatrician.

Protecting Children from Worm Infections

Ascariasis is highly preventable and fully treatable—yet it still affects millions of children due to lack of awareness and sanitation. By recognizing early symptoms, maintaining hygiene, and participating in regular deworming programs, we can protect our children from this neglected tropical disease.

Healthy children grow in healthy environments. Let's make hygiene a habit, not a privilege.