Yes; however, the risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is very low. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children. The most effective way to prevent infections in pets and humans is through flea control.
How contagious are tapeworms in humans?
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.
How easy is it for humans to get tapeworms?
Humans can get these worms after eating the undercooked meat of an infected animal. This includes infected pork, beef, or fish. Dogs and cats can also get tapeworms, but their infections rarely pass to humans. Oftentimes, dogs and cats get an infection after swallowing a parasite-contaminated flea.
How likely are you to get a tapeworm?
You probably won't ever get one. Less than 1,000 people in the U.S. get them a year. It's extremely rare to pick one up from your pet. And if you take the right steps to cook meat, you shouldn't get one from it, either.
Can you get tapeworm from your dog licking you?
Fortunately, most of it doesn't make us sick, but some can. Parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and giardia can be passed from dog to human through licking.
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