B71: Other cestode infections

B71.0: Hymenolepiasis

Tapeworms are parasites. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. The tapeworms occur in rats. You typically become infected by swallowing the worm eggs. This can happen via infected or contaminated food, for example.

Tapeworm can also cause stomach pain or diarrhea. Your skin may turn itchy. You may also get headaches. It is also possible that you have no symptoms at all.