Ascariasis in Maine

• Larval Migration (Lung Phase): Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever (often called Löffler's syndrome).
• Adult Worm (Intestinal Phase): Abdominal pain, malnutrition, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or no symptoms if worm burden is low.
• Severe Cases: Intestinal obstruction (due to large worm burden), growth impairment in children, or worm migration to other organs (e.g., bile duct, appendix) causing severe pain and complications.

Ascariasis spreads when a person ingests infective *Ascaris* eggs, which are found in soil contaminated with human feces. This primarily occurs through contaminated food (e.g., unwashed vegetables grown in contaminated soil), contaminated water, or unwashed hands that have come into contact with contaminated soil. The eggs are not immediately infective and require a maturation period in the soil before becoming capable of causing infection.

• Practice proper hand hygiene with soap and water, especially before handling food and after using the toilet.
• Thoroughly wash, peel, or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, and ensure food is prepared in sanitary conditions.
• Use latrines or toilets, and avoid defecating outdoors.
• Implement effective sanitation and wastewater management systems.