Unlike other types of worms that live in the intestines, dragon worms are discovered when the worms emerge from subcutaneous tissue through ulcers, especially in the legs.
Dragon worms, a dangerous parasite that can grow up to 120 cm in length, are showing signs of returning. Currently, 24 cases have been recorded in the country in 5 provinces and cities: Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh. The most recent case is a male patient in Hoa Binh.
Dragon worms enter the human body through dirty water sources.
Specialist Doctor Nguyen Minh Phong (Dermatology specialist at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital) said that dragon worms or Guinea worms (scientific name is Dracunculus Medinensis ) are a dangerous parasite that can grow from 70 cm to 120 cm long. Unlike other types of worms that live in the intestines, dragon worms are discovered when the worms emerge from the subcutaneous tissue through ulcers, especially in the leg area.
This parasite enters the human body through contaminated water containing copepods (small crustaceans) carrying worm larvae. When people drink contaminated water, the copepods are destroyed by stomach acid, releasing worm larvae. These larvae move into the abdominal cavity, develop into adult worms, and then the female worms continue to move in the subcutaneous tissues, causing serious damage. About a year after infection, the female worms will cause a few nodules on the skin (usually on the feet). When the infected person puts their feet in contact with water, the nodules break, and the female worms "release" the larvae into the water, starting a new cycle of infection.
In the early stages, patients may experience vague symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, which can easily be confused with common illnesses. However, the characteristic of this disease is the appearance of papules and blisters on the skin, often on the legs. After a while, these papules develop into blisters that cause pain, itching, and burning, forcing the patient to soak their limbs in water to relieve the pain.
According to Dr. Phong, when seeing unusual swellings accompanied by a burning sensation and pain, patients should not be subjective but should immediately go to a medical facility for examination, because this could be an early sign of dragon worm disease.
Image of parasitic dragon worms in the patient's body
PHOTO: CDC HOA BINH PROVINCE
Treatment of dragon worm disease
Although rare, dragon worms can cause serious damage when they enter the human body. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine, so prevention remains the top priority.
When infected, the wound needs to be cleaned. The patient can soak the affected area in water (do not use domestic water to avoid spreading) to release more larvae, making it easier to remove the worms. When part of the worm is exposed through the wound, tweezers can be used to pull it out, a few centimeters each day.
Using a stick to wrap the worm and completely remove it from the body can take several weeks to several months. Care must be taken to avoid breaking the worm during the removal process. Because once the worm is broken or not completely removed, the damaged area may swell and be painful, with an inflammatory reaction around it, which can easily lead to infection or complications of the disease. After removing the worm, it is necessary to disinfect and bandage the damaged area to avoid secondary infection. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs can help control symptoms of swelling and pain. At the same time, it is necessary to treat antibiotics when there is an infection and prevent secondary infection.
Although dragon worm disease is not transmitted directly from person to person, it can become an epidemic if the source of infection is not well controlled.
How to prevent dragon worm disease
According to Dr. Phong, to prevent disease effectively, people need to:
- Use clean water: Drink boiled water, avoid untreated water sources (ponds, lakes). Filter water before drinking.
- Eat cooked food and drink boiled water: Limit eating raw food, especially seafood.
- Strengthen surveillance to detect all cases within 24 hours of worm emergence.
- Prevent infection by treating, cleaning and regularly bandaging skin wounds and damaged areas until the worms are completely expelled from the body.
- Prevent waterborne infections by advising patients to avoid wading in water.
"Dragon worm disease will be a serious threat if not well controlled. Everyone needs to proactively prevent the disease and go to a medical facility as soon as they detect signs of dragon worm infection for timely treatment," Dr. Phong advised.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/benh-giun-rong-co-nguy-hiem-khong-185250314173809093.htm
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