Intestinal parasites in children admitted at Muhimbili Medical Centre

A study of intestinal parasites among children admitted at Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam has revealed an overall prevalence rate of 40% for all parasites. Ten parasitic species were selected in 184 children among the 460 children studie . Hookworm was the commonest parasite found with a species species prevalence rate of 11.52% and the least found was Entamoeba histolytica with a prevalence rate of 0.22%. Multiple infections especially, double infections were common. The 2-6 year age group had the highest overall prevalence. The youngest infected wa a 7 months old infant. Diarrhea was the commonest symptom observed in children with intestinal parasites. Incidences of anaemia malnutrition infected children did not differ much from the uninfected. The majority 74% of parents/guardians were aware of the existence of some intestinal parasites especially the helminthis, but only a few 26% of them were aware the simplest methods of prevention. Although quite a good number of children and shoes, it seems that the purpose of putting them on all the time is vaguely understood by parents/guardians. The community should be made aware that intestinal parasites are a burden to overall health. The mode of acquisition and simplest methods of prevention of intestinal parasites should be taught to the public through health education at all levels of learning. All health workers should be on the frontline where over they are. Since children are future parents, health education in schools should receive more attention than before.