Prevent a Dwarf Tapeworm Infection

A dwarf tapeworm infection occur when you accidentally ingest the eggs of the tapeworm. Once infected, the dwarf tapeworm may reproduce inside your body and continue the infection. Most people who are infected do not have any symptoms. Although an infection with the dwarf tapeworm is not serious in most cases, prolonged infection can lead to severe symptoms. The following will help you prevent a dwarf tapeworm infection.

Steps

 * 1) Be aware of how the infection is caused. One can get infected by accidentally ingesting tapeworm eggs. This can happen by:
 * 2) *Touching your mouth with contaminated fingers.
 * 3) *Consuming foods and water contaminated with fecal matter.
 * 4) *Ingesting contaminated soil.
 * 5) Understand that the eggs can re-infect you or infect others immediately after being shed in feces.
 * 6) Know what steps to take to prevent the infection.
 * 7) *Wash your hands with soap and running water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before handling any foods.
 * 8) *If you work in a child daycare center, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and warm water after every diaper change, even if you wear gloves.
 * 9) *Travelers to countries where food is likely to be contaminated, should always wash, peel or cook all raw vegetables and fruits with clean water before eating.

Tips

 * The dwarf tapeworm is the most common tapeworm infection in the United States and around the world.
 * Diagnosis is typically children, persons living in institutional settings, and people who live in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
 * 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.
 * A tapeworm infection does not normally cause weight loss.
 * You cannot feel a tapeworm inside your body.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Recognize Dwarf Tapeworm Infection
 * How to Prevent Cysticercosis (Pork Tapeworm Infection)
 * How to Get Rid of Tapeworms in Your Pets
 * How to Make Your Own Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/hymenolepis/factsht_hymenolepis.htm