Rat Tapeworm Infection

Rat Tapeworm infection is also called Hymenolepiasis, Dwarf Tapeworm or just Tapeworm infection. Humans and animals can get infected with tapeworms when drinking water or eating food containing tapeworm eggs. It most frequently occurs in warm dry areas of the developing world, and children between the ages of 4 and 10 are the most vulnerable to this infection.

Symptoms

• Intestinal infection shows very little symptoms. If cysts have formed in other tissue, fever, bacterial infections and seizures can occur.

Risks

• Areas where the feces of humans and animals are not disposed of or areas with general poor hygiene and poor sanitation will put a person at risk.

Medical Help

• People who regularly work in areas with poor hygiene or travel to these areas should seek medical advice. A stool sample or blood tests will identify possible infection.

Treatment

• Oral medication normally takes care of rat tapeworms, and Praziquantel is the preferred medicine. It should be taken under medical supervision.

Prevention

• Personal hygiene and proper sanitation as well as the elimination of rats should minimize the occurrence of Hymenolepiasis. Smaller children should be encouraged to regularly wash their hands.