Tapeworm infections
A tapeworm is a parasite that can live in a person's intestines (bowel). They are known medically as cestodes.
People are often unaware they have a tapeworm infection. They may have no symptoms or only very few symptoms, which are usually general.
In the UK, a tapeworm infection usually occurs when you eat raw contaminated pork, beef or freshwater fish. Not all tapeworms are acquired in the same way.
If you think you have a tapeworm infection, speak to your GP so they can give you a diagnosis.
Adult tapeworm infections are treated with medication. It is more complicated to treat infection with tapeworm larvae.
The beef tapeworm lives only in your intestine and infection with it is easily treated. Infection with other tapeworms or tapeworm larvae can lead to complications.
The best ways to prevent tapeworm infections are to prepare food properly and look after your personal hygiene, particularly around animals.