Florida Teen Contracts Painful Hookworm Infection After Being Buried in Sand

Michael Dumas, a 17-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, never imagined that a day at the beach would turn into a serious medical issue. While on a missionary trip to Florida with a group of 17 boys from his church, Michael visited Pompano Beach on June 18 for a day of fun in the sun. At some point during the outing, Michael and his friends buried each other in the sand — a common beach activity. Unfortunately, this is likely when he became infected with hookworms.

After returning home, Michael first experienced a painful earache. A few days later, red bumps began to appear on his feet, followed by lesions on other parts of his body. Concerned by the unusual symptoms, his mother, Kelli Mulhollen Dumas, took him to their pediatrician. The diagnosis was surprising: Michael had a hookworm infection. Kelli, who is a dentist with a degree in biology, was shocked by the news. Although she is familiar with science and biology, the idea of parasites living and growing inside her son was deeply upsetting. Doctors discovered one of the parasites under Michael’s skin measured three inches in length.

Hookworms are parasitic worms that can infect humans through direct contact with contaminated soil or sand. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hookworm larvae develop from the eggs of infected animal feces. These larvae can live in warm, moist environments such as beaches or parks. If someone walks barefoot or comes into direct contact with the contaminated ground, the larvae can penetrate the skin and begin migrating through the body.

Michael later told his mother that he had been completely buried in sand during the beach trip. This is believed to be how the hookworms entered his body. Michael was not the only one affected. At least five other boys from the same missionary group also tested positive for hookworms after the beach visit.

What Is Cutaneous Larva Migrans?

Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin condition caused by the larvae of animal hookworms, commonly from dogs or cats. It usually happens when a person comes into contact with soil or sand that has been contaminated by infected animal feces.

How it happens:

Hookworm eggs hatch in the soil or sand.
The larvae survive in warm, moist environments.
When human skin comes into contact with these larvae, they can burrow into the outer layer of skin.

Common symptoms:

Red, itchy, snake-like tracks on the skin.
Blisters or small bumps (papules).
Burning, stinging, or tingling sensations.
In more severe cases, people may experience fatigue, weight loss, anemia, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Michael’s Complications

In addition to the parasitic infection, Michael developed a secondary bacterial infection (staph infection). He had a deep wound on his right foot that required four stitches. His condition was serious enough that he had to stay home and could not walk normally. His mother expressed concern that the infection would leave permanent scars.

Diagnosis and Symptoms to Watch For

To check for a possible hookworm infection:

Look for itchy, red, winding tracks on the skin.
These lesions may appear several days or weeks after contact.
Most common locations: feet, ankles, lower legs, buttocks, or any skin area exposed to contaminated soil or sand.
A medical provider can usually diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the lesions and a history of exposure.
In some cases, blood tests or skin samples may be taken.

Watch for:

Signs of bacterial infection like swelling, pus, or fever.
Symptoms such as fatigue, stomach issues, or anemia (especially in more serious infections).

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment options include:

Antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or ivermectin.
Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Wound care and pain relief.
In Michael’s case, he also received cryotherapy — a painful procedure where parts of the skin were frozen to kill the larvae.

Healing and recovery:

Most people recover within a few weeks after treatment.
Without treatment, the larvae may continue to move under the skin for several weeks or months.
In some cases, scarring may remain, especially if the infection was severe or prolonged.

How to Prevent Hookworm Infections

Avoid walking barefoot in areas where animals may have defecated (especially beaches, parks, or sandboxes).
Do not sit or lie directly on sand or soil in public areas without protection.
Avoid being buried in sand on public beaches.
Use protective footwear, even in sandy environments.
Practice good sanitation and proper pet waste disposal.
In areas where hookworms are common, health authorities may treat the soil or enforce hygiene rules.