Tapeworms can also infect humans, although it's not a common infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are less than 1,000 new tapeworm infections in humans in the United States each year. Tapeworms are flat worms that can live in the intestines.
How common are tapeworms in humans in the US?
Don't Worry, They're Rare 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.
How easy is it for humans to get tapeworms?
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 would I know if I had a tapeworm?
A tapeworm infection is usually diagnosed by finding eggs or tapeworm segments in the stool. Your doctor may ask you to bring in a sample so a lab can look for eggs, larvae, or tapeworm segments. A blood test can spot antigens, foreign substances that let your doctor know your body is trying to fight the infection.
How do humans usually get tapeworms?
Overview. Tapeworm infection is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae. If you ingest certain tapeworm eggs, they can migrate outside your intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs (invasive infection).
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