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Can People Get Hookworms?

Hookworms are nematode parasites found in many parts of the world. These parasites are transmitted from soil contaminated with fecal matter and can cause mild diarrhea and iron-deficiency anemia. People can obtain hookworms through oral transmission, skin contact and transmission from pets to humans.

  1. Oral Transmission

    • Hookworms can be transmitted through consumption of soil contaminated with hookworm larvae. This method occurs usually when people are playing or working with soil containing larvae and fail to wash their hands before food consumption.

    Skin Contact

    • You can contract hookworms from direct contact with the soil such as walking barefoot. These parasites have the ability to penetrate skin and frequently enter the body through the hands, feet, arms or legs.

    Pets to Humans

    • Hookworms can be transmitted from your pets to you through soil contamination. Large amounts of hookworm eggs can gather in the soil if infected cats and dogs are allowed to defecate in the same location repeatedly. Hookworm transmission can be mitigated by de-worming pets and discarding pet defecation.

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