The Gary American

Your
Health
By Dr. Benj. F. Grant
WORMS IN CHILDREN

Usually one does not encounter worm infestations in the urban areas, with the exception, maybe, of a few pin worms. The passage of worms by adults or infants is a rarity in the northern and urban centers. The absence of this type of infection may be attributed to our advancement in civilization, including sanitation, sewage disposal methods, chlorination of water, and the up-to- date and scientific means of fertilization of soil. It is also due to the fine job that veterinarians have done in protecting our cattle against diseases and worms. However, occasionally a mother will tell a physician, even in a city like Gary, that her child has worms.

The diagnosis of worm infestation of infants and children can be made accurately only when the mother or the parents actually see and produce the worm passed by the child.

There are many different types of worm. There are pin worms. These are usually indirectly found because of the association. children have with dogs. There are tape worms; there are round worms. These usually come about because of unsanitary conditions; because of fruit or vegetable that have been contaminated through fertilization: because of an old well that is too low and has not had its proper sanitary measures; or because of contamination with flies who carry eggs and deposit them upon fruits.

Regardless of the type of worm infestation that the child may have the type of medication the doctor prescribes will depend upon the species of worm for which the medicine is being given.

Medication for worms is also a rather serious problem, and the mother must realize that all worm medicines are drastic and any kind of medicine that will kill the worm will also have some adverse reaction upon the child who takes the medicine to kill the worm. Gentian violet and hexylresorcinol are widely used.