Treatment
Mebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Pictures & Images
This is the classical appearance of the Trichuria (whipworm) egg. The eggs are highly infectious. After a person eats contaminated food, the worms hatch from the eggs and live in the intestine, causing vomiting and diarrhea. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
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Whipworm infection:Overview, Causes
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Whipworm infection:Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Whipworm infection:Treatment
Review Date : 9/28/2008
Reviewed By : Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
