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What is the outlook for people and animals with tapeworm infection?
Understanding Tapeworms: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Tapeworms are parasites that can easily infect animals and humans. They usually enter the body through food that has been contaminated with the eggs or larvae of the tapeworm. Once they are inside the body they start to feed off of the body’s nutrients and reproduce.
Tapeworm Symptoms
Common symptoms of tapeworm infection include:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Intestinal blockages
- Protein deficiency
In some cases, tapeworms may also be visible in the patient’s stools. This is usually seen in cases of heavy infestations.
Tapeworm Causes and Transmission
It is possible for humans and animals to become infected with tapeworms. The most common cause of infection is eating raw or undercooked meat, particularly pork and beef, or foods contaminated with the eggs or larvae of a tapeworm.
Tapeworms can also be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding, toys, and contaminated soil.
Tapeworm Treatment and Health
Tapeworm infection in humans is usually treated with anti-parasitic medications. This medication will kill the adult tapeworms, however, it may not be as effective against the eggs. It may be necessary to take multiple rounds of the medication to make sure all of the tapeworms are killed.
It is important to maintain good hygiene habits to help prevent tapeworm infection. This includes washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw or undercooked meat and thoroughly cooking meat, especially pork and beef, to kill any potential eggs or larvae.
Regular deworming of pets and livestock can also help to reduce the risk of human tapeworm infections.
If you think you may have come into contact with or eaten something that has caused a tapeworm infection, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Tapeworm infections are not always serious but can lead to complications if left untreated.
