Koforidua, Nov. 18, GNA-A representative of Media Pharmacy, Mr. Ben Laryea has observed that, worm infestation could lead to brain damage and the development of epileptic seizure by the infected. He said worms could affect the internal organs like the lungs, liver, spleen and ultimately block the intestines sometimes leading to emergency surgical operations.

Mr Laryea was speaking at the formal launching of the worm infestation awareness week in the New Juaben Municipality on Thursday which was being sponsored by Media Pharmacy, an Accra based company. He called for proper faecal and waste disposal systems, regular hand washing with soap under running water and good hygienic practices.

In a speech read on his behalf, the New Juaben Municipal Director of Health Service, Dr Benjamin Aboagye Marfo observed that worm infestation remains one of the major causes of childhood malnutrition, anaemia, stunted growth and stagnation in mental development. He said currently the preventive measures needed to forestall worm infestation has not been fully embraced in the country and therefore, called on all to continue administering anti-worm prophylactic drugs, especially to children at every three to six months.

Dr Marfo called for proper cooking of meat and fish and the washing of all fruits and vegetables before eating.

The New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Adjei Boateng called for a change in altitude in the way the society keep the environment and explained that once that had been achieved, the society would not be having problem of worm infestation and cholera outbreak .