Why is this called a whipworm? How does it spread?
The name whipworm comes from the parasite's long, very thin, whiplike
shape. Although the incidence of whipworm infection is high, its intensity
is usually light. The infection occurs most frequently among children.
Fertilized eggs develop outside the body, and an embryonated egg is produced
in three weeks in a favorable environment; that is, warm, moist, shaded
soil. People can get infected by accidentally ingesting whipworm eggs
from their hands or through food or drink. Severe infections in young
children can result in serious disease with bloody diarrhea and a condition
called rectal prolapse.
The Egg of the Whipworm
What are the symptoms of infection by whipworm?
This parasitic roundworm infection of the large
intestine often has no symptoms. Heavy infections may cause intermittent
stomach pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, and weight loss.
How is this infection diagnosed?
A doctor may request an examination of the stool, which can help detect
whipworm eggs.
How is whipworm infection treated?
Doctors treat whipworm disease most often with mebendazole
and albendazole.
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