Tapeworm infections occur when you ingest food or water that contains the eggs or larvae of a tapeworm.
Eggs are commonly found in contaminated water or food that has come into contact with the feces of an infected animal. Eggs pass through this animal’s digestive tract and find their way into the soil, which can, in turn, come into contact with food or water sources. When you ingest these microscopic organisms, they develop into larvae in your intestines. These larvae can then move around and migrate to the liver or other internal organs, resulting in cysts.
Larvae are commonly found in raw or undercooked meat (usually pork or beef) from an infected animal. These larvae develop into adult tapeworms which can grow to over 80 feet long.
The common symptoms of an adult tapeworm living in the intestines include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Malnutrition (lack of adequate nutrient absorption from food)
The common symptoms of cysts caused by migrating tapeworm larvae include:
- Headaches
- Cystic lumps under the skin
- Difficulty with balance
- Dizziness
If left untreated, tapeworm infections can lead to serious digestive blocking, damage to the brain and nervous system, organ damage, and in some rare cases, death.
Risk factors for tapeworm infections include:
- Exposure to animals and livestock feces: Tapeworm eggs are usually found in the feces of livestock and domestic animals that live around livestock. If the feces of these animals are not properly managed and disposed of, these eggs can find their way into food and water sources.
- Poor hygiene: If you do not wash your hands frequently, or fail to do so after using the toilet, your risk of developing an infection by ingesting contaminants increases dramatically. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, and always wash your hands before and after handling food - especially meat.
- Consuming raw or undercooked meat: Tapeworm eggs and larvae are commonly found in raw or undercooked pork, beef, and fish. When cooking pork and beef, make sure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature that kills contaminants such as tapeworm larvae) before serving. Freezing meat and fish for 7-10 days will also kill tapeworm larvae and eggs. Because of this, avoid eating sushi that has not been previously frozen. Fresh sushi increases your risk of developing tapeworm.
- Traveling to areas with poor sanitation: If you are traveling to, or living in, an area of the world with poor sanitation services, your risk of tapeworm infection increases. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or produce, wash produce before cooking it, and boil water for at least a minute before drinking it. These strategies can help you mitigate the risk of infection.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above or suspect that you may be experiencing a tapeworm infection, contact your health care provider. Tapeworm infections become harder to treat the longer they progress, so it is helpful to begin treatment as soon as possible.