Tapeworms how do you get

If you ingest certain tapeworm eggs, they can migrate outside your intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs invasive infection.

If you ingest tapeworm larvae, however, they develop into adult tapeworms in your intestines intestinal infection. An adult tapeworm consists of a head, neck and chain of segments called proglottids. When you have an intestinal tapeworm infection, the tapeworm head adheres to the intestinal wall, and the proglottids grow and produce eggs. Adult tapeworms can live for up to 30 years in a host. Intestinal tapeworm infections are usually mild, with only one or two adult tapeworms. But invasive larval infections can cause serious complications.

Many people with intestinal tapeworm infection don't have symptoms. If you do have problems from the infection, your symptoms will depend on the type of tapeworm you have and its location. Invasive tapeworm infection symptoms vary depending on where the larvae have migrated. If tapeworm larvae have migrated out of your intestines and formed cysts in other tissues, they can eventually cause organ and tissue damage, resulting in:.

Ingestion of eggs. If you eat food or drink water contaminated with feces from a person or animal with tapeworm, you ingest microscopic tapeworm eggs. For example, a dog infected with a tapeworm will pass tapeworm eggs in its feces, which get into the soil. If this same soil comes in contact with a food or water source, it becomes contaminated. You can then be infected when you eat or drink something from the contaminated source. Once inside your intestines, the eggs develop into larvae.

At this stage, the larvae become mobile. If they migrate out of your intestines, they form a cyst in the liver or other tissues. People can pass tapeworm eggs to others when they don't wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Tapeworm eggs in feces can then spread into food or onto surfaces like doorknobs. Then, a child might complain of: mild nausea diarrhea belly pain weight loss Kids with a tapeworm infection may feel a piece of the worm coming out through the anus where the poop comes out. This can lead to: lumps under the skin seizures vision problems an abnormal heartbeat weakness or trouble walking Cysticercosis is rare in the United States, but common in many developing countries. How Is a Tapeworm Infection Diagnosed?

How Is a Tapeworm Infection Treated? Can Tapeworm Infections Be Prevented? To help protect your family from tapeworm infections: Wash your hands well and often with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom and before touching food. Teach your kids to do the same. Cook meat until juices run clear and the centers are no longer pink.

Cook fish until it is solid in color no longer clear and flakes when separated with a fork. Freeze meat for 24 hours before cooking to kill any tapeworm eggs. If you live in or travel to areas where tapeworm infections are common: Wash and cook all fruits and vegetables with safe water.

Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish, raw fruits and vegetables that you didn't peel yourself, and any food from street vendors. Drink only water that's been boiled for at least a minute, bottled water, or other beverages in bottles and cans. At restaurants, ask if their water and ice are filtered. When Should I Call the Doctor? In addition to papaya seeds, there are also claims of other natural dewormers. These include garlic, pumpkin, and ginger.

These herbs have had antiparasitic effects in some animals , but more research is needed to confirm the benefits in humans. If you ingest food or water contaminated with a tapeworm or its eggs, the parasite can travel to your intestines and cause different symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include:. Even though tapeworms can travel to the intestines, they can also migrate to other parts of the body and cause organ or tissue damage.

This is known as an invasive infection. You might experience additional symptoms. If a tapeworm cyst ruptures, you may have symptoms of an allergic reaction like hives and itchiness.

See your doctor if you develop any of the above symptoms. They can conduct tests and make a diagnosis. In fact, you may have a tapeworm infection and not even know it, especially if the tapeworm exits your body on its own. If your doctor confirms you have a tapeworm infection, follow their instructions to lessen the risk of complications.

This can lead to brain swelling, inflammation, and intestinal blockage. Tapeworm infections are preventable. Prevention starts with good hygiene. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food. The proper way to wash your hands is with warm soapy water. Lather the soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds. You can also protect yourself by washing fruits and vegetables before eating.

Additionally, make sure meat is completely cooked before consuming. Eating raw or undercooked pork, beef, or fish raises the risk of infection. Intestinal worms may clear up on their own, but you should see a doctor if you experience noticeable symptoms.

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