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.
Do worms come from flea eggs?
In pets with flea infestations, the larval fleas hatching in the area consume organic debris, flea dirt (digested blood shed by adult fleas–it looks like pepper) and any tapeworm eggs. The tapeworm egg proceeds to develop inside the flea and by the time the flea is an adult, the tapeworm can infect mammals.
How do you get rid of worms from fleas?
Luckily, treatment for cat tapeworms is pretty easy and effective. If your cat is infested, your vet will give you a tapeworm medicine called a dewormer. Typically, dewormers are oral medications, though they can also be given through an injection.
What do worms from fleas look like?
Larva - When they hatch from eggs, flea larvae look like tiny worms about 2-5 mm long with a whitish body and pale colored hairs. They feed primarily on flea dirt, which is the blood-filled feces that adult fleas excrete after taking a blood meal.
How long does it take to get worms from fleas?
It takes 3 weeks from the time the flea is swallowed to the time tapeworm segments appear on the pet's rear end or stool. Controlling fleas is essential to prevent recurring infections with this species of tapeworm.
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