B83: Other helminthiases

B83.1: Gnathostomiasis

Roundworms are parasites that infect dogs or cats, for example. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. The animals get infected when they eat their prey. Prey can include birds or fish, for example. Humans can also become infected, for example if you do not cook fish properly before eating it. You can also get infected if you swallow worm eggs from the soil.

Once swallowed, roundworms can get into the intestine via the stomach. From the intestine, they can get into the skin. In the skin, roundworms can cause wandering swellings. You may also have fever or stomach pain.