What causes you to get tapeworms?

Question

I mean cause my brother is so creaped about it he thinks he got them.

Answer 1

Theoretically, yes, people can get them but they must be infected the same way dogs and cats are: by swallowing an infected flea.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=562

Tapeworm infections are not very common occurrences in North America. Family physician Dr. Thomas Gibson said, "Of all the thirty nine years that I've been in practice, I've diagnosed a tapeworm infection only once." Nevertheless, tapeworm infections do still occur, perhaps not so much in North America, but certainly in other, less advanced or prosperous countries. And, they are still a concern in human health.

There are two types of tapeworms that commonly infect humans. Taenia solium is found in raw or undercooked pork. It is more often seen in poorer countries where people are in close contact with swine. Taenia saginata, the other common tapeworm, is contracted through the ingestion of raw or undercooked beef. Tapeworms reside not only in humans - it is also a concern for pet owners and the health of their beloved companions.

http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2004-2/issue8/fe-tapeworm.html

Answer 2

you get tapeworms from ingesting their eggs. they are usually in undercooked meats like beef or pork and especially fish. cooking kills them, its just undercooked meat that has them. you can also get them by putting your fingers in your mouth if the eggs are under your fingernails, one type can even burrow through your skin. i assume you are talking about the tapeworms that live in your stomach/intestines, he should be fine unless he has eaten raw food or food contaminated with fecal matter. if he has symptoms of a worm he should see a doctor who will ask for a stool sample so he can test for the tapeworm eggs. if he has them he'll get some medication and they'll clear up.

Answer 3

undercooked food like beef or pork...also tapeworm eggs are generally ingested through food, water or soil contaminated with human or animal feces...be careful

Answer 4

you get tapeworms from eating meat that is contaminated. the meat is undercooked. or you can get it from not washing your hands after touching something that has the tapeworm on it. it's very rare to get tapeworms if you buy your meat (beef,chicken, fish,etc) from a reputable store.

Answer 5

Bad pork. Specifically, bad undercooked pork. Couple of pills should take out the little bastards if he's too worried about them.