Can humans get tapeworms from fleas? The tapeworm, along with the hookworm are among the most common parasites in the United States. However, these two tend to infest dogs and cats because they are not a match for the hardiness of their hosts: humans. One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of tapeworms is seeing a segmented line of little bugs crawling along the ground or on the street. But could these lines actually be tapeworms? Could fleas also be one of the ways by which humans can get tapeworms? By now, you have most likely heard of the rise in tapeworm infestations and even deaths due to long-term tapeworm infection. Last year a tapeworm infection outbreak occurred in over 60 people, leading to the death of at least one woman. The main source, a flea bite, isn’t too uncommon as fleas have made pests of themselves on dogs, cats and even humans throughout history. Though we understand the risks of getting a tapeworm from pets and other animals, what about worms from fleas? Tapeworms are related to the common roundworm parasite that most dogs, cats and humans are regularly exposed to. Most tapeworm infections are usually caused by consuming undercooked meat from an animal that’s carrying this parasitic worm. What most people don’t know is that tapeworms can be transmitted to humans via fleas. If your pet has a flea infestation, you might end up with an itchy bump filled with infectious worm larvae — directly or indirectly causing your skin to burst open and become damaged. If this sounds scary, it should be because some of these larvae can work their way into your bloodstream where they’ll make their way toward your heart, lungs or brain. Overtime this will make you much more susceptible to numerous diseases and infections, eventually resulting in organ failure. Tapeworms are internal parasites that infect animals through fleas and ticks. A tapeworm larva may enter a flea while the flea is biting an infected animal, especially a dog or cat. The larvae grow and develop in the intestines of cats, dogs, foxes and humans as flatworms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although signs of tapeworm infections include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss, these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases. Human tapeworms are not commonly found in humans.

Can Humans Get Tapeworms From Fleas

Yes. A human can get tapeworms from fleas, but it is rare.

You can become infected with tapeworms from fleas if the larvae of the parasite are present in your pet’s fecal matter. If you then come in contact with your pet’s feces and accidentally ingest it, you could be infected by the larvae that were present there. These larvae then develop into adult tapeworms inside your intestines, which may cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea or vomiting.

If a human gets tapeworms from fleas it is likely they will not have any symptoms at all until the adult tapeworms start growing inside them.

Fleas often have tapeworm eggs on them and can infect humans with a tapeworm if the flea is accidentally swallowed.

Tapeworms are parasites that live in the small intestine of humans or animals. They are generally harmless and do not cause any symptoms, but they can be transmitted to humans through undercooked meat or eggs. Fleas often have tapeworm eggs on them and can infect humans with a tapeworm if the flea is accidentally swallowed.

Tapeworm infection in humans often happens when your pet is also infected. They will have tapeworm eggs on their fur which can then be ingested by humans.

Tapeworm infection in humans often happens when your pet is also infected. They will have tapeworm eggs on their fur which can then be ingested by humans.

If you are cleaning up after your pet, it is possible to ingest the tapeworm eggs they leave behind on their fur when touching it. If you eat or drink after touching an animal with tapeworm eggs on them, you may also be at risk of becoming infected with the parasite yourself.

It is important to clean up after your pets, especially after they have had an accident in the home.

• Clean up pet accidents with bleach or hot water.
• Wash your hands after cleaning up after your pet.
• Clean up pet accidents as soon as possible, and clean any carpets thoroughly if you can’t get to it right away. If you have a carpet shampooer, use it to clean the area thoroughly, then let it dry completely before using again.
• Do not let your pets lick you in the face or sleep on your bed when they have worms—especially tapeworms!

The likelihood of you getting a tapeworm from your cat or dog is low, but pet hygiene is important to avoid other infections and parasites.

Are tapeworms a concern in the United States?

Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States. The likelihood of you getting a tapeworm from your cat or dog is low, but pet hygiene is important to avoid other infections and parasites.

The most common way that people get infected with tapeworms is by eating raw or undercooked meat containing cysts (eggs) of intestinal parasites such as beef, pork, lamb and fish. You can also get them from water contaminated by faeces containing cysts.