Final answer:
The mother's statement about her daughter contracting roundworm could suggest a lack of hygiene and contact with contaminated environments as potential causes. Ringworm, on the other hand, can be spread through sharing personal items, contact sports, or public facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause of a child's roundworm infection can often be linked to factors related to hygiene and environment. Sarah's mother's statement indicating concern about how her daughter contracted 'roundworm' can be aligned with several potential sources of the infection. Any statement made by her mother about Sarah playing in soil, not washing hands before eating, or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces might suggest the cause for her condition. It is also possible that the mother mentioned Sarah's interaction with pets or stray animals, which can be carriers of roundworm eggs.
Common sources of roundworm infections include soil contaminated with fecal matter, direct contact with an infected person or animal, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or even walking barefoot on contaminated ground. The use of sanitation facilities and regular handwashing practices are crucial in preventing the spread of roundworms. It should be noted that the conditions mentioned in the student's question indicate a serious neglect of the child's basic needs, which could certainly contribute to the risk of contracting parasitic diseases like roundworms.
In the case of Sarah's ringworm infection, which is actually caused by a fungus and not a worm, the mother might suggest possible causes such as Sarah sharing personal items with others, participating in contact sports, or using public showers or locker rooms—all of which are possible modes of transmission for ringworm.