Srinagar, Aug. 12 -- Doctors said parents must closely monitor their children's growth, behaviour, and overall health, as untreated worm infections can stunt healthy development, cause poor nutrition, and reduce a child's ability to concentrate and learn.

They, however, said treatment is simple, safe, effective, and free of charge, adding that a single dose of deworming medicine can drastically reduce the number of worms in each child.

Dr Shabir Ahmad Dar, a child specialist, said worm infections can lead to many health problems, including anaemia, abdominal distention (swelling), severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, malnourishment, tissue damage, and impaired mental and physical growth.

"Deworming boosts nutrient absorp...