Can tapeworms kill you?

Tapeworms are probably not something that comes up in your everyday conversations. But what if I told you these seemingly harmless wriggly creatures can actually kill you? Yes, you read that right. Tapeworms aren’t just gross; they’re deadly too.

Don’t panic though! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the dangers posed by tapeworms, how to avoid them and everything else in between.

What are tapeworms?

To understand the risk of these parasitic monsters, we need to first define what a tapeworm even is (I know, biology lessons on a Monday morning…aren’t I nice?).

A tapeworm is essentially an intestinal worm that lives off the nutrients provided by its host – most often human beings or our pet animals like dogs and cats amongst others.

One striking feature of this creepy parasite is their ability to grow over 20 feet long (or more) in humans! No kidding (I mean imagine 2 giraffes standing one upon another lined with disposable plates then add endless thingies also known as segments – THAT tells it all)

How do people get infected with tapeworm?

If you think living inside someone’s stomach sounds crazy enough already, wait until you learn how they get there in the first place – brace yourself folks!

The lifecycle begins when someone unknowingly consumes undercooked meat contaminated with viable parasite larvae which hatch soon after ingestion within the small intestine. Once hatched from their cozy cocoons (the meat) they move around freely till they find themselves perched merrily on top of our intestines thanks to their charismatic flavour preferences.

The culprits behind such dinners include pork and beef but other meats may infect people too including game meats or fish especially codfish (cue Dracula’s voice). The parasites shed and pass through our intestinal tract in segments, which then exit via poo.

Could tapeworms actually kill you?

The short answer is yes (now beware… some of the stuff we’ll discuss from here on out may leave a bitter taste in your mouth)

In rare cases, tapeworm infection can be deadly – but it’s not common. However, many infected people never even realize they have these unsettling beasts growing inside their bowels.

Neurocysticercosis

One such risk is called neurocysticercosis (neur-o-cys-tic-er-co-sis) – (don’t ask me why they couldn’t just name it something simpler like “brain worms disease”. I mean who doesn’t relate to that?)

Essentially what happens in this condition is that once ingested by humans,… wait for it … tapeworm larvae form cysts all over the body; including vital organs like brain causing infection characterised by seizures followed closely by confusion (ouch).

But before you call your mom telling her she owes you $1M dollars cuz’ she let ya play outside without shoes when you were a twerp, rest assured as I mentioned earlier neurocysticercosis is exceedingly rare except where hygiene habits are poor or inadequate where cyst-laden fecal matter contaminates food crops.

Intestinal Blockage

A more direct danger posed by large numbers of adult tapeworms occupying the digestive system involves blockages within our intestines which could lead to uncomfortable cramps along with hindering digestion altogether; imagine having your poop stuck as squeezed toothpaste ready to be shot out (Yikes!)

This type of obstruction usually requires hospitalisation due to both physical resistance and financial input necessary for treatment

B12 deficiency Anemia

Another less lethal threat offered up from ingestion of tapeworms requires mentioning/saving grace — vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. The tape worms leech out our guts of this essential nutrient when ingested meaning folks can develop fatigue and weakness which may ultimately lead to a diagnosis.

How Can You Prevent Tapeworm Infection?

So now that you know the potential risks posed by tapeworm infection, how can you avoid falling victim to them?

Cooking Meat Thoroughly

One strategy is ensuring thorough cooking temperatures for different types of meat sourced; poultry, pork tenderloin or beef since these animals are usually infected with eggs or larvae if not thoroughly cooked looks like crappy lunch (Oh …sorry about my crude humour)

Most often than not, heating food up to 145°F will kill any possible larva hiding within even though some vary based on animal source chosen eg lamb (160F) while still others call for freezing prior consumption

Washing Hands frequently

This one goes without saying practice proper hygiene manners inclusive of frequent hand washing especially after visiting the bathroom as well as before handling food crops meant for consumption.

When travelling internationally, make sure any water unsealed has been boiled beforehand in order ensure it’s parasite free thus warding off those creepy intestinal occupants (True talk)

Deworm Yourself Regularly

A controversial yet effective way to protect oneself against worm infection consists taking regular antihelminthics given their ability neutralize large infestations safeguarding people from parasitic invasion along the digestive tract

It’s however always better to consult medical practitioners first – don’t be desperate after seeing shadows chasing you around

Conclusion

Tapeworms may start sounding less scary now but they remain deadly creatures nonetheless. Overzealous unwashed hands mixed with undercooked meat plus poor hygiene habits alongside inadequate sanitary conditions provide welcoming environments enabling unwanted guests – tapeworms – access into human bodies shrouded in shadows of surprising destinations.

The key takeaway lies in adopting proactive measures such as regularly cooking meat to proper temperatures, washing hands multiple times daily while keeping our environments clean and healthy which collectively minimizes the occurrence of unexpected events threatening human existence.

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