e any symptoms. If symptoms are present they may include:
In addition, some people with teniasis may experience irritation in the perianal area (area around the anus). This irritation is caused by worm segments or eggs being expelled in the stool. People often become aware that they have a tapeworm when they see worm segments or eggs passed in their stool. Infections can take between eight and 14 weeks to develop.
If you see worm segments or eggs in your stool, consult your doctor. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and recent travel outside of the U.S. Your doctor will often be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis your doctor may order the following tests:
Teniasis is typically treated by medications prescribed by your doctor. Medications for the treatment of teniasis include praziquantel and albendazole. Both drugs are antihelminitics, a classification of drugs designed to kill parasitic worms and their eggs. In most instances these medications are provided in a single dose; however, these medications can take a few weeks to fully clear an infection. The tapeworm will be excreted as waste. Common side effects associated with these medications include dizziness and upset stomach.
Most cases of teniasis infection go away with treatment. Medications prescribed for this condition are typically effective and will cure the infection.
In some cases, some people develop serious complications from the infection. Tapeworms may block your intestines. This may require surgery to correct. In some cases, the tapeworm may travel to other parts of the body such as the heart, eye, or brain. This condition is called cysticercosis, and it can cause other health problems including seizures or infections in the nervous system.
The most effective way to prevent teniasis is to cook food thoroughly. This means cooking meat to a temperature above 140 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes or more. Measure the meat temperature with a cooking thermometer. After cooking meat, allow it to stand for three minutes before cutting it. This can help destroy any parasites that may be in the meat.
In the U.S., laws requiring the inspection of animals and meat help reduce the chance that tapeworms will be spread.
Proper hand hygiene is also important for preventing the spread of this disease. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom. If you travel to an area where sanitation is substandard, consider drinking bottled water.