Hookworm infection
. HOOKWORM INFECTION What is a hookworm infection? Hookworms are parasites. This means they live off other living things. Hookworms affect your lungs , skin, and small intestine . Humans contract hookworms through hookworm larvae found in dirt contaminated by feces . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hookworm infections occur in an estimated 576 to 740 million people worldwide. It mainly affects people in developing nations in the tropics and subtropics due to poor sanitation. These infections rarely occur in the United States. What are the symptoms of a hookworm infection? You might not have any symptoms from the infection if you’re otherwise healthy, have a low parasite burden, and eat foods with plenty of iron. If you do experience symptoms, they generally start with itchiness and a small rash caused by an allergic reaction in the area that the larvae e...