Sukabumi Toddler's Death Confirmed as Roundworm Infection, Says Health Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry has confirmed that the case of a toddler in Sukabumi, West Java, who went viral on social media for a severe worm infection, was caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. This type of intestinal roundworm is relatively large, measuring 10-35 cm, and is visible to the naked eye.

"Intestinal worms are still a public health problem, especially in tropical areas like Indonesia. In the case of child R in Sukabumi, the infection that occurred was due to this type of intestinal worm," said Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Ministry's Bureau of Communication and Public Information, in a written statement received by Tempo on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Aji explained that once swallowed, the eggs hatch into larvae in the small intestine. These larvae then penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. From there, the larvae can be carried to the heart and lungs. This can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia, such as a prolonged cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and even the expulsion of worms from the nose.

According to the Health Ministry, infections with intestinal worms, whipworms, and hookworms are closely linked to poor hygiene practices, including open defecation, not washing hands before eating, and playing in soil without shoes. "Worm infections can disrupt digestion, absorption, and metabolism, leading to malnutrition, anemia, and developmental disorders in children," Aji warned.

To prevent such cases, the Health Ministry emphasizes the importance of personal and environmental hygiene. "Defecation should be done in a proper toilet, food should be thoroughly washed and cooked, hands should be washed with soap, and nails should be trimmed regularly. Toilets and a clean water source should also be available in the environment," he said.

In addition to these preventative measures, the government provides free Albendazole worm medicine, which is distributed twice a year to children aged 1-12 through community health posts (posyandu) or school health services (UKS). Treatment for patients with worm infections is also available free of charge at community health centers.

In response to the viral case, the Kabandungan Community Health Center and the Sukabumi Health Office have provided supplementary feeding for undernourished children, conducted a mass distribution of Albendazole preventive medicine, and initiated epidemiological investigations to prevent further transmission.

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