Tapeworm

A tapeworm is a parasite that attaches to the walls of the intestine after it enters a person's digestive tract. A person may become infected with tapeworms after eating raw or undercooked meat or fish that contains the worms.

A tapeworm infection may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include diarrhea, pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, or seizures.

Medicine is needed to get rid of a tapeworm infection. Infection can be prevented by thoroughly freezing or cooking meat and fish.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 18, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease

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