What is the best way to prevent most parasitic infections?

Maintaining basic hygiene and sanitation is the first line of defense against parasites. Always wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating

. Use safe water (boiled, filtered, or bottled) and clean food: wash or peel raw fruits and cook meat and fish well to kill any parasites. Keep latrines or toilets clean and avoid open defecation to stop eggs from contaminating soil and water

. In many regions with intestinal worms, the WHO recommends regular deworming treatments (for example, mass albendazole or mebendazole) along with hygiene education and better sanitation

. These simple steps – clean water, safe food, handwashing, and clean toilets – greatly reduce the risk of most intestinal parasites.

Personal precautions and vector control prevent many insect-borne parasites. For soil-transmitted worms, wear shoes or sandals so bare feet don’t touch contaminated ground

. In areas with schistosomiasis, avoid swimming or wading in freshwater streams or lakes known to be unsafe

. To block mosquito, fly, or tick bites, cover skin (long sleeves and pants) and use insect repellent on exposed areas

. Sleep under bed nets treated with insecticide, and use window screens or home insect sprays to keep bugs out

. When visiting or living in malaria zones, take the recommended anti-malarial pills as a preventative measure

. Following these practical steps worldwide – handwashing, safe food/water, footwear, nets and repellents, plus advised medicines – is the best way to avoid most parasitic infections