Tunnel and Mine Disease

Tunnel and mine disease — known in medical terminology as ancylostomiasis or hookworm infestation — is one of the oldest occupational diseases in the world. Tiny worms penetrate through the skin, travel through the bloodstream, lungs, and intestines, embed themselves in the mucous membrane, and there tap blood over a long period of time. Those affected grow tired, pale, short of breath, develop fever, coughing, intestinal bleeding. It is a quiet illness — something or someone attaches itself to you, feeds, and you don't notice for a long time.