Why Roundworms Came Out of 2-Year-Old's Mouth
A 2-year-old was hospitalized in July after vomiting roundworms, with doctors finding a 15-centimeter mature worm indicating a heavy parasitic infection requiring antiparasitic treatment.
On July 12, 2025, the Parasite Stories page shared details about a 2-year-old who arrived at the hospital vomiting more than 10 times, appearing fatigued and pale. While preparing an IV drip, the child vomited again and doctors noticed a long, worm-like object in the mouth. When extracted, it was identified as a roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) approximately 15 centimeters long. A second worm was expelled during observation.
Roundworms normally live in the small intestine but can migrate abnormally when the body has fever, severe illness, certain medications, or intense vomiting. They may travel backwards through the stomach and esophagus, exiting through the mouth. This occurs more frequently in children with heavy parasitic infections.
The 15-centimeter worm was fully mature, and finding more than one suggests multiple parasites remain in the intestines. After the patient stabilizes, doctors typically prescribe antiparasitic medication such as Albendazole and monitor for complications like intestinal obstruction or parasites entering the bile duct, conditions seen in heavy infections.
Roundworms don't spread directly between people but are transmitted by ingesting contaminated eggs in soil, water, food, or unwashed hands. Eggs pass through infected persons' feces and require 2–4 weeks in soil to become infectious. Prevention includes washing hands before eating, thoroughly cleaning vegetables and fruits, using proper sanitation facilities, and deworming as recommended in at-risk areas.
