A tapeworm is a parasitic worm that is found in the bodies of some animals and can infect humans, usually juveniles. On August 18, 2008, Anthony Franz filed a lawsuit against a restaurant in Chicago, claiming he got a tapeworm there from undercooked salmon in 2006.Chicago Sun-Times: Man says 9-foot tapeworm came from ... (August 19, 2008)
Symptoms
Most people who get a tapeworm infection will show no symptoms at all. One of the primary signs of a tapeworm is the presence of tapeworm segments, known as proglottids, in the stool. Other symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea.Mayo Clinic: Tapeworm Infection Symptoms
Treatment
Tapeworms are treated in both animals and humans in the same way. An oral medication is given that will dissolve the worm in the patient's body. Most of the tapeworm is absorbed through digestion, so no residue may be noted in the fecal matter.CDC: Dipylidium Infection
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have a tapeworm, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Dipylidium caninum is the most common tapeworm in the U.S.CDC: Dipylidium Infection
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Fact:
Dogs and cats get tapeworms from swallowing infected flea larvaeCDC: Dipylidium Infection
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Fact:
Adult tapeworms measure from four to 24 inchesCDC: Dipylidium Infection
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Fact:
Bodies are comprised of segments the size of a grain of riceCDC: Dipylidium Infection
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Fact:
Humans can become infected in the same manner as their petsCDC: Dipylidium Infection
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Fact:
Children are more prone to tapeworm infectionsCDC: Dipylidium Infection
