Social media has recently been abuzz with many Gen Z individuals purchasing deworming pills following cases of worm infections among toddlers in Sukabumi, West Java. This trend has raised public concern, as taking deworming medication without a medical indication poses health risks.
Professor Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, Head of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), highlighted in the TropmedTalk podcast organized by the UGM Center for Tropical Medicine on Tuesday (Sep. 16) that worm infection remains a serious issue in Indonesia, with a prevalence of around 35 percent.
“That means out of 100 people, 35 are infected,” she explained.
The Sukabumi case has also triggered a trend of self-medicating with deworming pills, driven by fear of missing out (FOMO), leading some to feel safe simply by taking the medicine.
Professor Murhandarwati emphasized that using deworming drugs without a clear medical indication can cause new problems. Such practices may disrupt intestinal flora balance, trigger resistance, and create a false sense of security.
She stressed that preventive measures should prioritize clean and healthy living behaviors and improved sanitation.
“People may feel protected just by taking medicine, when in fact hygiene and sanitation are far more important,” she said.
She underlined that deworming pills remain essential in the government’s Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program, which targets school-age children with regular treatment once or twice a year, depending on regional prevalence rates. This initiative is designed to break the chain of transmission among the most vulnerable groups.
“Reinfection will continue if the environment remains contaminated,” she added.
Beyond children, adults are also at risk if they do not practice healthy habits. Simple activities such as eating without washing hands, consuming improperly cleaned food, or eating contaminated raw ingredients can lead to infection. This shows that worm infections are not confined to specific age groups.
“Worm infection can affect anyone, not just children. That is why clean and healthy living practices are important for all ages,” said Professor Murhandarwati.
She further noted that the health impacts of worm infections should not be underestimated, as severe cases can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even worms emerging from the patient’s mouth. In certain conditions, more serious complications such as intestinal obstruction and sepsis may occur.
“Worms can reduce a child’s appetite and hinder their growth,” she explained.
In addition to acute health problems, worm infections also contribute to malnutrition and stunting. Worms absorb nutrients from their host’s body and interfere with food absorption in the intestines, preventing children from growing optimally.
“This condition can lead to chronic malnutrition with long-term consequences for quality of life,” Professor Murhandarwati added.
Therefore, public education on the dangers of worm infections and preventive measures is crucial.
Collective action is key, starting from personal hygiene to ensuring a clean environment that does not serve as a source of transmission.
Simple steps such as handwashing, wearing footwear, using proper latrines, and managing waste appropriately should be continuously encouraged.
“Worm infection is a community problem, not just an individual one. Prevention must be collective, beginning at home and extending to the wider environment,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: UGM Center for Tropical Medicine