Whipworm Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

4. Whipworm Infection Causes

People usually contract whipworm infections through ingestion of water or soil with contaminated feces. Soil becomes contaminated with whipworm eggs when humans or animals defecate outdoors, or when fertilizer contains contaminated feces. Sometimes, fruits and vegetables improperly cooked, washed, or peeled can carry and transfer the parasite. You can also ingest whipworm eggs or larvae by touching the soil with your hands and then putting your hands or fingers near or in your mouth.

5. Developing a Whipworm Infection

When a person ingests whipworm eggs, they nest in the small intestine, where they hatch and release larvae. Once the larvae are mature, they migrate to the large intestine where they live as adult worms. Female whipworms begin to produce eggs approximately two months later. Each adult female whipworm can produce between 3,000 and 20,000 eggs each day.

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