Kerala Health Department lodges police complaint against false propaganda over deworming pills

Deworming refers to the process of treating and preventing parasitic worm infections in humans. This can be done through the use of medication, which is typically taken orally.

“Deworming is commonly done to prevent or treat infections such as ascariasis, hookworm, and trichuriasis in humans, and to prevent parasitic infections,” Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr G Murli Mohan told South First.

He added that deworming was particularly important in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, as these conditions could increase the risk of parasitic-worm infections.

The fake propaganda that the state government mentioned in the police complaint includes videos like one that is going viral and claiming that the pills adversely affect children — specifically, their immunity.

Campaigns twice a year

The Kerala government conducts deworming campaigns where deworming pills are distributed to schoolchildren and the adult population — especially in rural areas, where the risk of parasitic worm infections is high.

These campaigns are usually conducted twice a year, and the deworming pills are provided free of cost to the people.

The pills typically used are albendazole and mebendazole, which are effective against a wide range of parasitic worms.

These campaigns are aimed at reducing the burden of parasitic worm infections in the population and improving overall health and nutrition.

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Distribution of pills in Kerala

The Kerala government distributed albendazole tablets to children aged 1-19 across the state on 17 January as part of its deworming initiative.

The Health Department took up the initiative as worm infestations cause a variety of health issues like anaemia, malnutrition, and fatigue in children, and also reduce their ability to focus on studies, an earlier government release said.

Carrying out deworming once every six months was expected to prevent anaemia and ensure the physical growth of children, the Health Department said.

Symptoms of worm infestation include lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, lack of attention, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhoea, the department said.

Lack of hygiene, like not washing hands before consuming food and biting nails after scratching, playing in the soil, and drinking water contaminated with faeces are some of the modes of infection transmission.

Flies also contribute to spreading the infection, said the department.

Preventive measures include washing hands before and after eating and also after using the toilet, cleaning fruits and vegetables thoroughly, properly disposing of human and animal excreta, keeping nails trimmed and clean, drinking boiled water, and taking albendazole tablets once every six months.

According to Dr Murli Mohan, the side effects of deworming pills are generally mild and temporary. Some of the common side effects of deworming pills are:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

“These side effects usually go away within a few days of taking the medication. In rare cases, some people may experience more serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If these side effects occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately,” said Mohan.

However, people should not worry about it as the side effects are in very few cases, added the doctor.

He said that it was also important to note that deworming pills might interact with other medications, so people should inform their doctor of any other medications or supplements they are taking before starting a course of deworming pills.

(With PTI inputs)

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