Doctors warn about habits that can lead to tapeworm infection

Causes of tapeworm disease

Dr. Tran Huyen Tram, Endocrinology specialist at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, said that tapeworms are flatworms that live as parasites in the digestive tract of humans and animals. The main agents that cause intestinal tapeworms in humans are beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms, and fish tapeworms. They can range in length from a few millimeters to several meters.

Tapeworm disease is mostly caused by poor hygiene control of livestock and food environments. The source of the disease enters humans from animals through the mouth, especially the habit of eating raw, rare or undercooked meat.

Using raw food is one of the causes leading to the development of tapeworms in the body.

Eating food or drinking water contaminated with tapeworm eggs. Eating raw, undercooked meat, raw fermented pork rolls. Eating raw vegetables that have not been washed properly, containing tapeworm eggs. Unhygienic management and use of latrines. Raising free-range pigs without disease control and management. Not cleaning hands and feet after contact with potentially infectious environments such as soil, pig pens, latrines, etc.

"The habit of eating raw food, salads, and raw vegetables carries the risk of tapeworm infection. If a person has the above eating habits, they need to prevent tapeworm disease, especially when there are symptoms such as stomachache, loss of appetite, weight loss or dizziness, headache, anemia or even low blood pressure...", said Dr. Tram.

Why can tapeworms be in the human stomach?

Tapeworm eggs can survive in soil or water and are then introduced into the body of humans or animals through eating foods contaminated with tapeworm eggs. When humans eat undercooked meat or unsanitary food, tapeworms can continue to develop in the digestive tract and attach to the intestinal mucosa.

Tapeworms are parasites that can live and feed on nutrients in the human intestine. Tapeworms in the intestine usually cause mild symptoms. Moderate to severe symptoms can include stomach pain and diarrhea. Larval cysts can cause serious illness if they are in a person's brain, liver, lungs, heart, or eyes. Tapeworm infections usually do not cause immediate complications, but problems that can occur over time include: malnutrition, anemia, intestinal obstruction, allergic reactions, and possible damage to the nervous system if eggs or larvae are spread.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after contact with soil or animals.

How to prevent tapeworm

Poor hand washing habits increase the risk of contracting and spreading the disease. Unwashed fruits and vegetables can also carry tapeworm eggs. Unsanitary living conditions and poor waste disposal also increase the risk of tapeworm egg infection. To prevent tapeworm infection, Dr. Tram also gives the following advice:

Food and drinks : Eat cooked food and drink boiled water. Meat should be thoroughly cooked and food hygiene should be ensured. Drinking water should be boiled or from a clean source.

Hand washing : Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after contact with soil, animals or any environment that may be contaminated with worms.

Environmental sanitation: Keep the surrounding environment clean and do not let animal feces come into direct contact with food.

Pet Care : If you have pets, keep them on a regular vaccination schedule to prevent infection. Meat and fish food for dogs and cats should be cooked.

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