The district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have identified 5,11,049 and 2,72,477 people respectively, aged between one and 19, to administer free de-worming tablets to address hookworm issues, on National Deworming Day on Monday.

The tablets will be given in anganwadis, schools, and colleges in the presence of teachers and attendants, official releases from the district administrations here said. Those who are left out during the drive will be administered the tablets during the mop-up drive on August 17. The tablets will also be given to teachers, midday meal staff, and anganwadi workers.

Worm infestation can cause anaemia and nutritional deficiencies, which can hinder physical and intellectual growth of children, while consuming Albendazole tablets could eliminate the worms. Tablets will be given to students of government, aided and private schools and colleges, anganwadis, residential schools, I.T.I, Technical Institute, nursing colleges, degree college students, engineering college students in the respective schools/colleges.

While children aged between one and two will be given half-a-tablet, those aged between two and 19 would be given one tablet.

Lack of hygiene and contact with soil contaminated with worms can lead to infestation thereby causing health disorders. Owing to worms, children often fall ill, miss school or fail to concentrate in class. Children’s physical and intellectual development may also be affected.

Children with a high worm count may experience symptoms, including, stomach pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and anaemia.

The administrations asked people to wear footwear while moving outside and keep their hands clean before eating food. Asking people to drink purified water, the administrations told them to cleanly wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.

Published - August 08, 2026 06:45 pm IST