Overview
Hookworm disease is one of the most common parasitic roundworm infections of the intestines. This disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical countries where people may defecate on the ground and where the soil moisture is most favorable for hookworm eggs to develop into larvae (immature worms).
The World Health Organization estimates hookworm disease affects 740 million people worldwide. Once a big problem in the southeastern United States, hookworm disease is now largely controlled in this country.