Everything You Need to Know About Tapeworm Infections

5. Causes of Tapeworm Infections

You can ingest tapeworm eggs by consuming food or water contaminated with feces from an infected animal or person. For example, a cow with a tapeworm passes eggs in its stool, which can then seep into the soil. If that soil comes into contact with water or crops, those sources become contaminated. Infected animals also harbor larvae in their muscle tissue. Eating raw or undercooked meat from these animals can pass the infection to you. While some adult tapeworms simply pass out of your body in your stool, others attach to your intestinal walls, where they can survive for up to 30 years.