Parasitic infections hit the health of low-income Black communities where states have neglected sewage systems

A microscopic image of a hookworm egg that can cause intestinal problems in humans. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Intestinal infections take a heavy toll on impoverished Black communities that have out-of-date sewage systems. These infections often spread through contaminated soil and water and are among the most common diseases worldwide.

Approximately one-quarter of the global population is infected with soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal parasitic worms that can cause serious health problems.