B68.0-1/B68.9
DESCRIPTION
Infestation with tapeworm occurs after eating infected, undercooked or raw meat like beef or pork.
Infestation may be caused by:
- beef tapeworm – Taenia saginata
- pork tapeworm – Taenia solium
Signs and symptoms include:
- vague abdominal pain
- weight loss
- diarrhoea
- anal (nocturnal) itch
- flat white worm segments seen in the stool (blunt ended)
GENERAL MEASURES
Health education about adequate preparation and cooking of meat.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
If the patient has diarrhoea, wait for it to settle.
- Albendazole, oral, daily for 3 days.
- Children 1–2 years: 200 mg as a single dose.
- Children ≥ 2 years and adults: 400 mg as a single dose.
REFERRAL
- Abdominal tenderness or pain.
- Abdominal masses.
- Vomiting.