Hookworm

Human ancylostomises
Nectoriasis
Ancylostomiasis
Uncinariasis

Nature

Hookworm diseases are helminthic, meaning they are caused by invertebrate parasites in the human intestine. This parasite enters the body through the skin, usually the sole of the foot. It then travels around the body until it attaches itself to the small intestine, where it feeds off the blood of its host. It can lead to fatigue, impaired mental function including depression and anxiety, autoimmune conditions, iron-deficiency anaemia, vomiting and various other debilitating effects.

Background

The parasitic roundworm Ancylostoma duodenal (old world hookworm) causes ancyclostomiasis; Necator americanus causes necatoriasis. Infection occurs mainly through vegetables, fruits, etc., which are contaminated by soil containing the larvae, deposited there from the faeces of an infected person. Nectoriasis infection can also be caused by going barefoot, because nector larvae enter the host through the skin. The dog hookworm A caninum can also infect humans.

Incidence

Hookworm diseases are particularly widespread in tropical and subtropical zones, especially Latin America, Africa and Asia. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2018 up to 740 million people were infected with hookworm worldwide.

The United States was thought free of hookworm decades ago. But a new study by the Baylor College of Medicine reveals that hookworm is thriving once again in the southern United States.

Claim

Hookworm is a devastating and urgent global health crisis that demands immediate attention. Millions suffer from anemia, malnutrition, and impaired development due to this preventable parasite. Ignoring hookworm perpetuates poverty and stunts children’s futures. It is unacceptable that such a widespread, debilitating disease continues to thrive when effective treatments and prevention exist. The world must prioritize eradicating hookworm to protect vulnerable populations and break the cycle of suffering and disadvantage.

Counter-claim

Frankly, the concern over hookworm is vastly overblown. In today’s world, with modern sanitation and healthcare, hookworm barely registers as a threat in most places. Resources and attention should be focused on far more pressing health issues. Worrying about hookworm is outdated and distracts from real problems that actually impact people’s lives. Let’s stop exaggerating its importance and move on to challenges that truly deserve our energy and investment.