The recent death of a toddler in Sukabumi, West Java, whose body was found filled with worms, has raised public concern over poor hygiene standards and limited health interventions. Although the Ministry of Health emphasized the possibility of other causes, such as tuberculous meningitis or more severe infections, the case serves as a stark reminder that worm infections remain a real threat, even in areas that are not classified as disadvantaged, frontier, or outermost regions.
Professor E. Elsa Herdiana, a lecturer in Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), stated that the Sukabumi case reflects the ongoing challenge of controlling worm infections in Indonesia.
She explained that such severe cases should no longer occur in this era, especially in areas with access to healthcare facilities.
“This indicates that risk factors remain, such as poor sanitation, open defecation practices, and low public awareness,” she said on Tuesday (Sep. 2).
According to Professor Herdiana, the worm infection in this case was caused by Ascaris lumbricoides or roundworm, a soil-transmitted helminth. Most cases are asymptomatic due to mild infection, but if the intensity is high or a large number of worm eggs are ingested, the condition can become severe.
“Worms take nutrients from their host. Left untreated, children may suffer from malnutrition, stunting, anemia, and even impaired cognitive development. In severe cases, worms can migrate to other organs, triggering inflammation of the appendix, liver abscesses, or intestinal obstruction that may result in death,” she explained.
She emphasized that the link between worm infection, stunting, and cognitive impairment must not be overlooked. Worms deprive children of essential nutrients for growth and brain development, such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins.
“Nutrient deficiency during the first 1,000 days of life can hinder brain development,” she added.
Regarding government efforts to prevent similar cases, Professor Herdiana acknowledged the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program, which is carried out twice a year. However, she stressed that interventions should not stop at drug distribution.
While deworming medication is effective in reducing infection burden, children remain at risk if sanitation and hygiene practices are not improved.
“The main problem lies in the habit of open defecation that persists in some communities. Worm eggs from feces that contaminate soil become a source of transmission,” she explained.
She recalled the successful experience of a district in Yogyakarta in the 1970s, where worm infection rates were significantly reduced through the construction of latrines and public education. She argued that a similar cross-sectoral collaboration model involving the Ministry of Public Works, local governments, and communities should be promoted.
As a recommendation, Professor Herdiana emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, periodic evaluations through stool examinations before and after interventions, and monitoring for drug resistance.
“Deaths from worm infections are actually preventable. However, it requires shared responsibility, not only from the government but also from families, health cadres, and the community,” she concluded.
The Sukabumi case serves as a reminder that worm infection is not merely a childhood health issue, but also a matter of sanitation and collective awareness. Without comprehensive interventions, similar threats may recur in other regions.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Illustration: Freepik
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya