Raya was just a curious little four-year-old girl. Like most children her age, she still desperately needed guidance, attention, and protection from her parents.
Sadly, it seems she never truly received these things. From the time she began crawling, Raya was reportedly often seen playing in the dirt, alongside free-roaming chickens. She was left unsupervised—her mother, who suffered from a mental illness, was unable to protect her.
It’s unclear how complex her family situation was, but one thing is certain: the local midwife had long been concerned about Raya, who showed signs of malnutrition. When the midwife tried to refer her to the nearest health center, Raya’s stepfather allegedly refused.
A day before her condition worsened, she was still happily playing with friends. Even after she fell ill, she was only treated with traditional methods. No one suspected she was gravely ill.
Raya eventually lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital the next day—far too late. She arrived severely dehydrated and with dangerously low blood pressure. At first, everyone assumed she had lost consciousness due to tuberculosis (her father was undergoing TB treatment at the time).
But when a worm suddenly emerged from her nose, doctors immediately suspected otherwise. A live roundworm, about 15 centimeters long, was pulled out. More worms then came out from her mouth, and even from sensitive areas of her body. It was confirmed that her coma was caused by a parasitic worm infection that had spread to her brain.
Over the course of 9 days in care, more than one kilogram of live worms were removed from her body. But it was too late—Raya passed away on July 22, 2025, in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Her condition had become far too severe.
Why This Story Matters for All Parents
We often think worm infections are only a problem in places with poor sanitation or in developing countries. The truth is, parasitic worms can be found worldwide—including in Europe and the United States. In developed countries, cases still occur, especially in children who play in contaminated soil or sand (such as public playgrounds) or with pets that don’t receive regular deworming treatments. Poor handwashing habits after playing outside can also allow parasites to enter the body.
Even with stronger healthcare systems in developed countries, prevention is always better. We must act early so no child suffers the same fate as Raya.
For preventing worm infections in children, here are important steps:
- 🧼 Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after playing outside, before eating, and after touching animals.
- 🍽 Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, especially meat and fish. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water.
- 🐕 Give pets regular veterinary check-ups and anti-parasite treatments.
- 🏖 Use a mat or blanket when sitting at the beach or playground to avoid direct contact with soil or sand.
- 🧒 Teach children good hygiene early—such as not putting dirty hands or objects into their mouths.
- 🩺 Schedule regular health check-ups, especially if a child shows symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss.
The lesson from Raya’s tragic story is this: parental love is not only about hugs or serving delicious meals—it’s also about caring for the small things we often overlook. Handwashing, pet care, and hygiene habits may seem simple, but sometimes, the greatest protection for a child comes from the simplest actions.