Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in the intestines of some animals. These parasites get sick when animals graze on pastures or drink contaminated water.
Undercooked meat from infected animals is the main cause of tapeworm infection in humans. Although human tapeworms usually have few symptoms and are easily treated, they can sometimes cause serious, life-threatening problems. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and know how to protect yourself and your family.
Causes of maggots
Six species of tapeworm infect humans. They are often isolated from animals such as Taenia saginata from beef, Taenia solium from pork, and Diphyllobothrium latum from fish.
Tapeworms have a three-stage life cycle: an immature stage called the egg and larva, and an adult stage where the worm can produce more eggs. Because the larvae can penetrate the host’s muscles, infection occurs when raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal is eaten.
You can also get pork tapeworm from food prepared by an infected person. Because the eggs of the tapeworm are passed through the bowel movements, the person who prepares the food does not wash their hands well after wiping, and then the person who prepares the food contaminates the food.