Prevention and Exposure

Prevention & Exposure

The easiest way to prevent a cysticercosis, including neurocysticercosis infection, is to practice hand and food hygiene.  Not washing hands after using the restroom is the most common way to infect others with tapeworm larvae.  Living in close contact with swine also increases the chance of becoming infected.  Taking proper care when washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating can help prevent the passage of any cysts into the body from hands.  Washing foods, especially produce, before consumption can also help prevent infection.

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Following the life cycle of the tapeworm, and thus the cyst, can help individuals better understand how easy infection is to prevent.  By properly cooking food, step 4 in this cycle can be prevented, thus preventing tapeworm infection and lowering the chances of infecting self or others with cysts shed in the feces of an infected individual.  Step 7 in the infection cycle can be avoided by thoroughly washing all foods and hands before eating.



Infection with tapeworm cysts is simple to prevent given individuals follow proper hand and food hygiene.

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  Most people are exposed to tapeworm larvae through another close family member or friend who is infected with tapeworm.  Those individuals who come to the US from endemic regions, specifically Latin America, and those who have traveled to endemic areas are more likely to have the infection.  Close contact with individuals who fit into either of the two previous categories also increases a person's chance of becoming infected.