Causes of Tapeworm Infections
Tapeworm infections can occur when you unknowingly ingest tapeworm eggs through contaminated food or water. These eggs can be found in feces from infected animals or humans. For example, if a cow has tapeworm, it will pass the eggs in its stool, which can contaminate the soil. When this soil comes into contact with water or a food source, it becomes contaminated.
Another way to get infected is by consuming undercooked or raw meat from an animal that is infected with tapeworm. Animals with tapeworm infections have larvae in their muscle tissue, which can be transmitted to humans if the meat is not properly cooked.
While some adult tapeworms are expelled from the body through stool, others can attach to the intestinal walls and survive for up to three decades.
Risk Factors Associated with Tapeworm Infection
There are various risk factors that can increase your chances of getting infected with a tapeworm. These include traveling to developing countries, consuming undercooked or raw meat, and practicing poor hygiene habits. For instance, inadequate bathing or infrequent handwashing can significantly raise the likelihood of accidentally ingesting contaminated material.