worms

Worms are parasitic animals that can live inside the human body and cause disease.

• They are called pathogens when they make us ill, usually by living in the intestine or sometimes in other body parts.
• Many worms enter the body through contaminated food or water, or by contact with dirty soil (for example, when someone walks barefoot where infected people have passed stool).
• Once inside, they may take nutrients from the food we eat, which can lead to weakness, weight loss, stomach pain, or anaemia (low blood level).
• Common examples include roundworm, tapeworm, and hookworm; they are usually larger than bacteria or viruses, but they can still spread through poor hygiene and sanitation.
• Good prevention habits are simple: wash hands before eating, wash/cook food well, drink clean water, use toilets, and keep surroundings clean; doctors can treat worm infections with deworming medicines.

So, “worms” in disease chapters usually means parasitic worms that live in us and harm our health, not the harmless earthworms you may see in soil.