What is a key preventative measure for avoiding soil-transmitted helminths?

Proper handwashing is a crucial preventative measure for avoiding soil-transmitted helminths because many of these parasites are transmitted through fecal-oral contamination. This can occur when individuals come into contact with contaminated soil, water, or surfaces, and subsequently touch their mouth or food. By washing hands thoroughly and regularly—especially after using the toilet and before handling food—individuals can significantly reduce their risk of ingesting eggs or larvae of these helminths.

While vaccination and avoiding raw fish are important measures for different types of infections, they do not specifically target soil-transmitted helminths, which primarily spread through contact with contaminated soil. Similarly, wearing protective clothing could potentially reduce some exposure to parasites, but it is not as universally effective or practical as regular hand hygiene in preventing the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths. Therefore, focusing on proper handwashing remains the most effective strategy for prevention in this context.