How common is toxocariasis?

Approximately 5% of the U.S. population has antibodies to Toxocara. This suggests that tens of millions of Americans may have been exposed to the Toxocara parasite.

Is it rare to get roundworms?

Roundworm infection is the most common type of worm infection in the world. It is rare in the U.S. Roundworm eggs live in soil that is contaminated by feces.

Does toxocariasis go away on its own?

How Is Toxocariasis Treated? A child with mild symptoms might not need treatment because the infection will go away on its own when the larvae die. Kids with symptoms that affect the lungs, eye, or other important organs may be treated with anti-parasite drugs that will kill the larvae.

What are the symptoms of toxocariasis?

In rare cases, the roundworm larvae infect organs such as the liver, lungs, eyes or brain and cause severe symptoms, such as:

• fatigue.
• loss of appetite or weight loss.
• skin rashes.
• wheezing or breathing difficulties.
• seizures (fits)
• blurred or cloudy vision, usually only affecting one eye.
• a very red and painful eye.

How can you tell if a person has roundworms?

Roundworms in your intestines can cause:

1. nausea.
2. vomiting.
3. irregular stools or diarrhea.
4. intestinal blockage, which causes severe pain and vomiting.
5. loss of appetite.
6. visible worms in the stool.
7. abdominal discomfort or pain.
8. weight loss.

Can toxocariasis be cured?

Visceral toxocariasis can be treated with antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole. Treatment of ocular toxocariasis is more difficult and usually consists of measures to prevent progressive damage to the eye.

How do you tell if you have parasites in your body?

Some of the most common signs of a parasitic infection include:

• Stomach cramps and pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dehydration.
• Weight loss.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Digestive problems including unexplained constipation, diarrhoea or persistent gas.
• Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching.
• Continuous muscle and joint pain.