How to Prevent a Dwarf Tapeworm Infection

A dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana) is a flat, worm-like parasite which infects its host's digestive system. ^{[1]XResearch source} Although a dwarf tapeworm infection is not serious in most cases, prolonged infection can lead to severe symptoms such as lethargy, abdominal pain, weight loss and diarrhea.^{[2]XResearch source} The dwarf tapeworm reproduces and spreads by depositing its eggs in the fecal matter of its host. If you accidentally come into contact with, and ingest, these eggs, you may become infected with the parasite, which you can then spread to others.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} The best way to prevent a dwarf tapeworm infection is therefore by avoiding exposure to tapeworm eggs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preventing Infection from Waste

Because dwarf tapeworm eggs are transmitted through human and animal feces, you should try to avoid contact with fecal matter as much as possible. This is especially important for those working in fields, such as healthcare, child care, or waste management, where exposure to human waste is a possibility.
If you work with, or own livestock or pet animals (especially rats, or other mammals such as dogs), ensure that they are treated with de-worming medication so that they cannot become infected and pass tapeworm eggs along to you. ^{[4]XResearch source}
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Tapeworm eggs are transmitted through their hosts' fecal matter, so proper disposal will help ensure that any existing tapeworm infections are not spread.
4
Practice good hand hygiene. If you do come into contact with your own, or others', feces (when working with livestock, changing an infant's diaper, using the toilet, etc.), immediately wash your hands with antibacterial soap and running water for at least 60 seconds to ensure that no tapeworm eggs survive to accidentally be ingested by you later on. If soap and water isn't available to you, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. ^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} Always wash your hands before preparing food.
- Frequently washing your hands not only prevents you from accidentally ingesting, and becoming infected by, tapeworm eggs; it also ensures that, even if you've already become infected, you won't pass on the infection to others, or re-infect yourself.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Infection from Food and Water

Water which has been exposed to infected fecal matter can transmit tapeworm eggs into your system if you accidentally ingest it by drinking, cooking, or bathing with the contaminated water. If you live in, or are visiting, a part of the world where water is not commonly sanitized, be sure to boil, filter or otherwise sanitize any water you intend to drink or use for bathing or food preparation. ^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
Foods can become contaminated with dwarf tapeworm eggs when they are grown or exposed to soil contaminated by livestock. pay attention to the presence of such soil, and wash any food you suspect may have become contaminated thoroughly before cooking.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
Rats and pest insects are among the most common carriers of tapeworm eggs, and you should be wary of food which may have come into contact with such critters.^{[9]XResearch source}
Be sure to wash, peel or thoroughly cook them before eating (making sure that any water you use has been treated, and is safe for consumption) to ensure that no tapeworm eggs or infected soil remain. ^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
5
Cook meat and fish properly. Meat and fish which has come into contact with tapeworm-carrying pests can become infected, and pass tapeworm eggs along to you when you consume it. Any potentially infected meat or fish should be cooked through to a temperature of at least 66C (150F) to ensure that no tapeworm eggs survive. ^{[11]XResearch source}
- Smoking or drying meat and fish is not sufficient to kill tapeworm eggs.
Freezing to for 24 hours will reliably destroy any tapeworm eggs. Because tapeworm eggs and their pest carriers can't survive low temperatures, this will also ensure that your meat and fish is not infected during storage.^{[12]XResearch source}
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Diagnosis is typically in children, persons living in institutional settings, and people who live in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
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Nausea, weakness, stomach pains, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, are among the symptoms of an infection. Young children with a heavy infection may develop a headache, itchy buttocks, or experience sleeping problems.
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The dwarf tapeworm is the most common tapeworm infection in the United States and around the world.
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