The soil-transmitted helminths and other "neglected tropical diseases" are sometimes treated through mass drug administrations. Soil-transmitted helminths include hookworm, Ascaris, and whipworm. "Neglected tropical diseases" include river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. Since the drugs used are safe and inexpensive or donated, entire risk groups are offered preventive treatment. Mass drug administrations are conducted periodically (often annually). Drug distributors commonly go door-to-door to administer treatment. Multiple neglected tropical diseases are often treated simultaneously using MDAs.