A tapeworm cannot live freely on its own. It survives within the gut of animals, including humans. Tapeworm eggs normally enter the human host from animals via food, especially raw or undercooked meat. Humans can also become infected if there is contact with animal feces or contaminated water.
Can tapeworms survive outside the body?
Tapeworms can live outside for months, waiting for a host to come along. You're most at risk if you work around livestock or travel to a country where hygiene is poor. You can also be infected if you eat or drink something that contains tapeworm eggs or larvae, like raw or undercooked beef or pork.
Do tapeworms live in the ground?
The tapeworm eggs can live in the environment in grass and soil, carpets and dust, so it is hard to eliminate the process of infection as we cannot keep this permanently clean.
Can you find tapeworms in the wild?
The tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, is normally found in rodents and other wild animals, including coyotes and foxes, but can spill over into cats and dogs — and even humans.
Do tapeworms live everywhere?
Despite this, tapeworm larvae can be found anywhere, and poor hygiene can promote the spread of these unsavory pests no matter what country you call home.
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