An abnormal and persistent fear of being infested with
parasitic worms called helminths. The eggs of these worms can contaminate air and
water, particularly where hygiene is poor. They can also contaminate foods such
as pork and beef as well as pets and wild animals, objects such as toilet seats,
and feces (bowel waste).
P inworms, roundworms and tapeworms are examples of helminths. After helminth
eggs enter the body, they hatch and live there, usually in the intestines. The diseases
they cause are often mild, but sometimes serious. Trichinosis, a disease caused
by helminth eggs that may contaminate pork, can have serious complications and cause
death.
Sufferers of helminthphobia worry excessively about trichinosis and other helminth
diseases even though proper measures may have been taken to prevent a helminth infestation.
For example, they may avoid eating pork altogether even though they know such entrees
as pork chops and sausage have been thoroughly cooked. In addition, even though
their living environment is spotless, they may fret unduly about helminths.
"Helminthphobia" is derived from the Greek "helmins" (worm) and "phobos" (fear).
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