What is Whipworm?

The infection caused by the whipworm is widespread throughout tropical Africa and the Far East, especially in areas with inadequate sewage disposal. Humans become infected by eating food contaminated by the eggs. The eggs develop into adult worms, up to 50 mm. long, in the gut and quickly produce eggs that are excreted in the faeces. If infected faeces contaminate food or water (particularly if defecation occurs in the open) the cycle of infection begins again.