WHIPWORM

Trichuris Trichiura (whipworm) is one of the main worms affecting the intestines, together with hookworm and Ascaris. According to the CDC approximately 795 million people currently are infected with the whipworm globally.

The female worm can produce about 200,000 eggs daily, though it takes about 3 weeks from infection to the production of eggs. Therefore a test is better done 4-8 weeks after infection. The worms connect to your intestines mucus and can live for several years, and become roughly 4cm long.

The eggs need to mature in the soil for 2-4 weeks before becoming contagious, therefore it is not common that individuals infect other individuals.

Symptoms

People with less than 100 worms rarely have symptoms, though with larger infections stomach pains, gas, bloating, diarrea, nausea and weight reduction can occur.

Treatment

There are multiple efficient pharmaceutical treatments against whipworm infections. Good hygiene will reduce the risk of getting infected, though avoid walking barefoot in endemic places is also very important.

Source: CDC