The best way to prevent whipworm infection is to always: Avoid ingesting soil that may be contaminated with human feces, including where human fecal matter (“night soil”) or wastewater is used to fertilize crops. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling food.
What causes whipworm infection?
Whipworm infection is caused by ingesting eggs. This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated dirt on them are put in the mouth or by consuming vegetables or fruits that have not been carefully cooked, washed or peeled. People infected with whipworm can suffer light or heavy infections.
How are whipworms controlled?
Whipworm is effectively treated with albendazole, mebendazole or ivermectin. Each drug needs to be taken for 3 days. Dosage guidelines are the same for children as for adults. Albendazole should be taken with food.
How do you treat your yard for whipworms?
Spread food-grade diatomaceous earth over the top of the soil on a monthly basis to destroy fresh whipworms before they can get into the soil. You should also re-apply the diatomaceous earth after heavy rains. This is especially important if your yard is not fenced in, allowing stray dogs to wander around your yard.
How did my dog get whipworm?
The whipworm is one of the four most common intestinal parasites of dogs. Whipworms reside in the cecum, which is inside your dog's body where the small intestine and large intestine meet. Dogs become infected with whipworms by swallowing infective whipworm eggs in soil or other substances that may contain dog feces.
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