Battle Of The Worms!

Worms and parasites are the biggest problem we have with the mountain children of Copan Ruinas. Pictured to the left is an example of a child with a infected with parasites. Notice the pot belly. Most people might think that this child is fat, but it is just the opposite. This child is filled with parasites. These worms are passed through the bare feet of the children and take up residence in the child's intestines. Once in place these worms take all the nourishment from the food the child eats. If the condition gets bad enough the child can die. Here in Honduras we have every type of worm you can imagine. The most common we get are tape, round, and hook worms. Tapeworms can be contracted from eating insufficiently cooked meats, especially beef, pork and fish. The most common tapeworm is the beef tapeworm, which can grow to a length of 15 to 20 feet in the intestines.

Hookworms are often found in the soil or sand in moderate climates. They can enter the body by boring holes in the skin of the bare feet, or can enter by mouth if food contaminated by dirty hands is eaten. Roundworms are our most common problem with the children. These worms can leave the intestines and settle in different areas of the body, causing diseases such as pneumonia, jaundice or seizures. The only way to combat this problem is to get the medicine to the children, and make sure that they take it. The cost to treat one child is only 26 Limpiras or about $1.66 per child. In addition we also like to buy the child a pair of rubber flip flops to that they don't get infected again when they go out with out their shoes. The cost for flip flops is about the same. Education is of prime importance in the treatment of worms in children. Pictured here you will see me fitting a child with his first pair of shoes. Some of the families are so far into the mountains that we can only reach them by horseback. Many of the parents know about the parasites, but simply don't know what it takes to cure them, and if they did they could not afford the medicine. As the cost of one bottle of medicine equals half a days wages. Would you like to help us with this problem? You can start by sending a small donation to Paramedics For Children. Your tax deductible donation can really make a difference. You can send us a check to: Paramedics For Children 311 Eagles Walk Gastonia, NC 28056 Your donation will be used to purchase the medicine to eradicate this horrible condition that exists in the bodies of these lovely children of Honduras. If you will take the time to send us enough money to treat one child I promise you I will personally deliver and administer it. President, Paramedics For Children Or Donate Online From Our Secure Donation Form Donate Now Click here to go to our home page!