The infection in humans is usually easily treated but sometimes it can cause serious problems. In Australia, there is a risk of contracting hydatid disease from tapeworms in dog faeces. You should see your doctor if you have any signs of tapeworm infection.

Causes and risk factors of tapeworm

If you consume tapeworm larvae they develop into adult tapeworms in your intestines and cause intestinal infection. Intestinal tapeworm infections are usually mild.

But if you consume tapeworm eggs they can lead to cysts in other tissues or organs and cause life-threatening damage. The type of tapeworm you have will depend on the meat that caused your infection - for example, pork tapeworm.

Hydatid disease is caused by infection with a small tapeworm usually spread through sheep and dogs. Humans become infected if eggs pass from dog faeces to their hands and then their mouths.

Tapeworm symptoms

People with tapeworm infection often have no symptoms. If you have symptoms they’ll depend on the type of tapeworm and where it is in your body.

Intestinal tapeworm infection can cause:

• nausea
• weakness or tiredness
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain or loss of appetite
• weight loss
• vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

If you develop a complication you may have:

• fever
• internal masses or lumps (cysts)
• allergic symptoms
• headaches, dizziness or seizures.

If you have hydatid disease, the tapeworm parasites have formed cysts in your liver, lungs or other organs, or bones.

Tapeworm treatment

Your doctor will ask for a stool sample and perhaps a blood test to confirm that you have tapeworms and what kind. You’ll probably be prescribed medicine to kill the tapeworms. If you have complications you may need other tests, medicine and perhaps surgery.

Tapeworm prevention

You can reduce your risk of tapeworm infection by:

• washing your hands after using the toilet and before handling food
• following food handling guidelines
• not eating undercooked pork, beef and fish
• quickly treat any dog infected with tapeworm.