Which type of employees are most at risk for hookworm infections?

Outdoor workers are most at risk for hookworm infections primarily due to their increased exposure to environments where hookworms are endemic. Hookworms are parasitic worms that inhabit soil, especially in warm, moist areas. They penetrate human skin, typically through bare feet, when individuals walk on contaminated ground.

Outdoor workers, such as agricultural laborers, construction workers, and those engaged in landscaping, often work in soil without proper footwear, elevating their risk of skin contact with hookworm larvae. This environmental exposure is a significant factor in the transmission of the infection in these occupations.

In contrast, office workers typically work indoors, away from direct soil contact, and are generally not exposed to the conditions conducive to hookworm infection. Industrial workers may also have limited exposure to contaminated soil depending on their work environment, while hospital workers are primarily involved in healthcare settings where the risk is minimal regarding hookworm infections. Thus, outdoor workers represent the highest risk group for contracting this parasitic infection.