What is the treatment for hookworm?

In countries where hookworm is common and reinfection is likely, light infections are often not treated. In the United States, hookworm infections are generally treated for 1-3 days with medication prescribed by your health care provider. The drugs are effective and appear to have few side effects. For children under the age of 2, the decision to treat should be made by their health care provider.

Another stool exam should be repeated 1 to 2 weeks after therapy. If the infection is still present, treatment will be given again. Iron supplements will be ordered if you have anemia.

How can I prevent hookworm?

Do not walk barefoot or contact the soil with bare hands in areas where hookworm is common or there is likely to be feces in the soil or sand.