parasites

Parasites are living organisms that survive by living on or inside another living organism (called the host) and taking food from it.

• A parasite benefits, but the host is usually harmed because the parasite uses the host’s nutrients, blood, or tissues.
• Many parasites that cause disease in humans are worms (like roundworms) that live in the intestine and steal nutrients from the food you eat.
• This can lead to problems like weakness, stomach pain, poor growth, and sometimes anaemia (low healthy red blood cells), especially in children.
• They often enter the body when parasite eggs or larvae are swallowed through contaminated food or water, or when they come from soil on unwashed hands, fruits, or vegetables.
• Think of a parasite like an “uninvited guest” who stays in your house and eats your food every day—your food runs out faster, and you become weaker.

Good hygiene (washing hands, washing/cooking food well, and drinking clean water) breaks the parasite’s route into the body and helps prevent these infections.