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Hanoians, Deworm Yourselves!
By Helen Ng-Pabilona, MD
Expatriates moving to Hanoi often are armed
with the basic knowledge of the city’s water,
sanitation and common health problems. We are
also fully aware that human parasites exist in this
part of Southeast Asia. Still we engaged in
inevitable activities that makes contacting these
parasites highly probable.
Trying out a new restaurant or the street fares of
bun cha and nem cua, having a night cap in a bia
hoi, swimming in public or hotel pools, walking
barefoot on the lawn, playing in the sandbox,
wading in flood water, getting a lick from a pet,
dipping our feet into a tub when going for a foot
ma xa, joining a rice planting field trip, ingesting
undercooked meat and vegetables and untreated
drinking water and neglecting to wash our hands
thoroughly increase our chances of getting
hookworms, roundworms and pinworms. These
worms are either soil or water transmitted.
Worm infestation in children can cause severe
health problems such as anemia, vitamin A
deficiency and intestinal obstruction. School
performance is also greatly affected. Studies
show that regular deworming reverts
malnutrition and increases school attendance
and facilitates learning.
Myths like “ It is not a problem at this day and
age” or “Don’t bother to deworm unless you
show symptoms” should now be debunked.
The relevant question to ask is “How often
should we deworm?”
Once every six months is sufficient. But if
symptoms are noted, it is prudent to consult your
fmpkidshanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com
physician for a routine stool screening. Otherwise,
deworming the whole family twice a year is
necessary. Children can be dewormed from two
years of age.
*Mebendazole or Albendazole (chewable) tablet is
the drug of choice and its side effects are rare and
is related to worms being passed out, also, it is safe
to take after the first trimester of pregnancy.
To all Hanoians, newcomers and old-timers alike,
pop that deworming pill!
Global Facts:
• Worms can divert 1/3 of the food a child
consumes
• 1.5 billion people in the world have
roundworms
• 1 billion people in the world have
whipworms
• 1.3 billion people carry hookworms in their
gut
Sources: UNICEF, WSSCC and mtherald.com
*Fugacar is the brand name of the deworming pill
available over-the-counter at Hanoi Family Medical
Practice
Dr.Helen Ng-Pabilon
a
Pediatrician
Family Medical Practice Hanoi