We routinely "de-worm" our dogs, cats and horses. Why not ourselves? Is this something we should consider?

C.

Your question is an interesting one. It is true that animals such as cats and dogs are prone to certain parasites that can cause them significant health problems. Thus, we take our pets to the vet and give them the recommended medications to guard against or kill these worms.

Granted, the most common cause of human disease and death worldwide is infectious disease, a major portion of which is caused by various parasites (including many types of gastrointestinal worms). However, these problems are mostly encountered in undeveloped nations with poor sanitation. The incidence of intestinal parasites is considerably lower among people living in developed countries like the United States.

Common symptoms of intestinal parasites include diarrhea, weight loss and fevers. Traveling to a country with widespread parasitic disease may place you at risk for infection if you do not take proper precautions. Such precautions include hand washing, not drinking or swimming in fresh water and avoiding uncooked foods. Other people at risk for parasitic infections include those with weakened immune systems -- for example, patients with HIV infection, cancer patients and transplant patients taking immune-suppressing drugs. Certain locations where close physical contact routinely occurs, such as daycare centers, are also potential sites for infection.

Overall, the incidence of parasitic diseases in industrialized countries is low, and there is no current recommendation to routinely "de-worm" the general population.