Question

An invasive tapeworm that is parasitic to humans is found in your town, and you’re tasked with eliminating it. What’s the logical approach, from the options listed, based on your knowledge:

A. eliminate rodents

B. engage in a sanitation and hygiene education campaign

C. don’t worry about it – tapeworms are parasitic, but they aren’t a health hazard

D. none of the above is likely to have any impact on the parasite’s presence in the community

Answer 1

Answer to the question is B.

engage in a sanitation and hygiene education campaign

An adult tapeworm consists of a head, neck and chain of segments called proglottids. ... Intestinal tapeworm infections are usually mild, but invasive larval infections can cause serious complications. Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications Prevention. Many people with intestinal tapeworm infection have no symptoms. If tapeworm larvae have migrated out of your intestines and formed cysts in other tissues, they can eventually cause organ and tissue damage, resulting in:

• Headaches
• Cystic masses or lumps
• Allergic reactions to the larvae
• Neurological signs and symptoms, including seizures

PREVENTION MEASURES

To prevent tapeworm infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.
• When traveling in areas where tapeworm is more common, wash and cook all fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating. If water might not be safe, be sure to boil it for at least a minute and then let it cool off before using it.
• Eliminate livestock exposure to tapeworm eggs by properly disposing of animal and human feces.
• Thoroughly cook meat at temperatures of at least 145 F (63 C) to kill tapeworm eggs or larvae.
• Freeze meat for as long as seven to 10 days and fish for at least 24 hours in a freezer with a temperature of -31 F (-35C) to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork, beef and fish.
• Promptly treat dogs infected with tapeworm.