Deworming pills to be distributed to children on February 10

The Department of Health and Family Welfare will distribute de-worming pills to children in educational institutes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Tuesday, on National De-worming Day.

A release from the department in Dakshina Kannada said Albendazole 400 mg tablets will be distributed for free to children aged between 1 and 19.

Children between one and two years are given half a tablet, and those between two and 19 years are given one tablet.

The pills will be given in all government, aided, unaided schools and colleges, and anganwadis.

Mop-up day on February 16

Children who have not received the pills will be given them on the mop-up day on February 16. Children not enrolled in anganwadi and those who are out of school are given de-worming tablets compulsorily by ASHAs/anganwadi worker/Young Women Health Assistant.

This is a pill that is given after midday meal in schools in the presence of school teachers and anganwadi workers in anganwadi, the release said.

The problems of intestinal worms include anaemia, malnutrition, and physical and intellectual development. Giving albendazole tablets destroys intestinal worms.

Worm infestation is caused by lack of hygiene and personal cleanliness, the release said.

Playing barefoot in the open, eating food without washing hands, defecating in the open, not washing hands properly after using the toilet, eating vegetables and fruits without washing them, and keeping food items open without covering them are possible sources of transmission of worms.

Symptoms

Severe worm infestation causes symptoms such as stomachache, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and fatigue. Those with a low worm count may not have any problems.

Worms suck blood, causing anaemia in children. Worms suck nutrients needed for children’s growth, causing malnutrition in children.

In Udupi

A release from the department’s office in Udupi said that a total of 2,72,477 children, including 1,35,244 in Udupi taluk, 87,320 in Kundapur taluk and 49,913 in Karkala taluk will be given free Albendazole tablets.