Behind the cheerful smiles and small steps of children, there is hidden a health threat that is often taken for granted: worms. Although the symptoms seem mild, the impact can be very large on the growth and development of children. As a parent, educator, or health care worker, understanding and preventing worms is an important step to ensure a healthy and productive future for children.
The issue of worms resurfaced after a case of severe complications in children due to a roundworm infection (Ascaris lumbricoides), even causing death. Many consider worms to be a minor problem, even though data shows the national rate of worms in children is around 3.3%, and in some areas it can reach more than 10%. WHO reports that hundreds of millions of children in the world are at risk of infection and require deworming drugs every year, making deworming a serious threat to the development of the younger generation.1,2,3
What Are Worms and Their Effects on Children's Growth and Development?
Worms are parasitic infections that attack the digestive tract, specifically the intestines. Types of worms that often attack children include: 1,2,3
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Pinworm (Enterobius)
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma)
The impact of worms on children includes: 1,2,3\
- Impaired absorption of nutrients that cause malnutrition and anemia
- Physical growth and cognitive development inhibitions
- Decreased immunity so that children get sick easily\
- Concentration disorders that have an impact on learning achievement.
What are the Symptoms of Worms in Children?
The symptoms of worms are often unnoticed because they are similar to mild indigestion. Some signs to look out for are: 1,2,3
- Itching around the anus, especially at night
- Flatulence or pain
- Appetite decreases or increases drastically
- Weight gain is difficult
- Weakness and fatigue easily
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- The presence of worms in the child's feces
Severe infections can lead to intestinal blockages, bloody bowel movements, as well as serious complications if not treated promptly.
How to Prevent Worms
Prevention of worms is very simple, but often overlooked, Here are the steps that can be taken at home and school: 1,2,3
- Wash your hands with soap before eating and after bowel movements
- Make sure food is cooked well and drinking water is clean
- Use healthy toilets and avoid indiscriminate decomposition
- Use footwear when playing outdoors
- Diligently trim nails and keep clothes clean
- Give deworming every 6 months as recommended by the Ministry of Health
- Worms may seem like a small problem, but the impact is huge. With attention, education, and concrete action, we can protect future generations from this invisible threat. Let's work together to ensure that Indonesian children grow up healthy, intelligent, and worm-free.
Reference:
1. Ministry of Health, Upk . 9 Worms Don't Underestimate: These Are the Causes, Impacts, and How to Prevent Them. August 21, 2025. Upk.kemkes. Available at: https://upk.kemkes.go.id/new/cacingan-jangan-disepelekan-ini-penyebab-dampak-dan-cara-mencegahnya
2. Andrian, Kevin. 8 Symptoms of Worms in Children and How to Deal With Them. November 30, 2023. alodokter. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/8-gejala-cacingan-pada-anak-dan-cara-mengatasinya
3. Budiarti, Irma. Worms in Children: Symptoms, Prevention and How to Overcome It. August 23, 2025. second. Available in: https://www.detik.com/jatim/berita/d-8075599/cacingan-pada-anak-gejala-pencegahan-dan-cara-mengatasinya