Tapeworms enter the human body through consumption of contaminated food or improper food handling. The most common type of tapeworms are found in beef (Taenia saginata) and pork (Taenia solium). The medical term for tapeworm infection is Taeniasis.

Tapeworms are a type of parasite scientifically classified as Cestoda that live in the digestive and intestinal tract of animals and humans. Tapeworms are sometimes referred to as flatworms and can reach lengths anywhere from a few inches to 40 feet or longer.

Tapeworm infection occurs when your child ingests the egg or larvae of a tapeworm. There are three types of tapeworms that commonly affect humans. They are found in beef, fish and pork. The larvae of beef and fish tapeworms are often directly ingested by eating undercooked, contaminated meat.