LAGOS – A General Physician, Dr Abiola Ajala, on Tuesday advised parents to deworm their children periodically, at least every three months to prevent intestinal worms infestation.
Ajala, a paediatrician with Optimal Children Clinic Surulere, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that children had a higher risk of worm infestations.
She said regular deworming improved a child’s nutritional status and growth which could otherwise be hindered by worm infestation.
“Parents are advised to deworm their children at least every three months with effective worm expellers.
“Regular deworming is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation and it ensures a child remains healthy and develops properly,’’ she said.
She said that worm infestation in children could cause severe malnutrition, poor learning abilities, poor physical development and reduce immunity which leads to children falling ill often.
She added that worm infestation was preventable in children if regular and constant personal and environment hygiene habits were maintained.
“Worms are mainly contacted through unhygienic personal and environmental sanitary habits and also through contact with contaminated items or food.
“Parents are encouraged to develop consistent hygiene practices in their children such as regular hand washing, especially before and meals and after using the toilet.
“It is important for them to also keep fingernails short and clean always because fingernails can secrete dirt,’’ she said. (NAN)