Ascariasis is communicable as long as the mature fertilised female worm lives in the intestine. The usual lifespan is 12 months, but it has been reported to be as long as 24 months.

How long does it take to get rid of ascariasis?

Anthelmintic medications (drugs that remove parasitic worms from the body), such as albendazole and mebendazole, are the drugs of choice for treatment of Ascaris infections, regardless of the species of worm. Infections are generally treated for 1–3 days.

Can ascariasis go away on its own?

Typically, only infections that cause symptoms need to be treated. In some cases, ascariasis will resolve on its own.