Whipworms

Whipworms are intestinal parasites acquired by swallowing mature eggs from soil or food contaminated with faeces. A mild infection often causes no symptoms; a heavy infection can cause prolonged or bloody diarrhoea, anaemia, poor growth and rectal prolapse, and requires targeted stool testing and treatment.

• A mild infection often causes no symptoms and is sometimes found only through stool testing.
• A heavier infection may cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea containing mucus and frequent small bowel movements.
• Do not use veterinary medicines, herbal cleanses or leftover treatment, or share antiparasitic medicines without confirmation of the species and dose.
• Complete the prescribed course and report vomiting shortly after a dose, side effects or failure to recover.
• Make an appointment for prolonged diarrhoea, abdominal pain, an unidentified visible worm or suspected infection after time in a risk area.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.