'Rat lungworm' explained: What to know about the parasitic roundworm

FoxNews.com/Science ^ | Aug 1, 2018 - Update Nov 5, 2018 | Zoe Szathmary | Fox News

[ETL]

If you're considering eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs or centipedes — you may want to think again.

Some of these delicacies may carry "rat lungworm," a parasite that can infect critters through rodent feces.

Here's what you should know about the parasitic roundworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and how it can be avoided.

Where is the parasite found?

Rodents have the adult form, with sickened rats passing the parasite's larvae in feces, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says online.

How are snails, slugs and humans infected?

Infections occur in snails and slugs when they consume the parasite's larvae, the agency says, adding that humans can end up with rat lungworm if they consume these infected delicacies when they're raw or not cooked fully. Eating frogs, crabs and freshwater shrimp that are raw or undercooked may also be an issue.

"People also can get infected by accident, by eating raw produce (such as lettuce) that contains a small snail or slug or part of one," the CDC says.

University of South Florida researchers have warned that coma and death are possible with very serious infections.

If someone's infected, however, they cannot transmit the parasite to somebody else.

Where have there been cases in the U.S.?

Humans have been infected in Hawaii, Louisiana and Texas, University of Florida researchers said in a study published last year. The CDC points out there have rarely been cases in other states.

What sort of preventative measures can I take?

Fully wash produce and stay away from eating raw or undercooked snails and slugs or other critters that could be exposed to the parasite.

What's known about symptoms?

Nausea, headache, vomiting, a low fever and painful skin sensations are a few of the signs, the CDC says.

[ETL]

If you're considering eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs or centipedes — you may want to think again.

[albie]

Based on how you get it, I can safely that I have nothing to worry about.

[rktman]

snails, slugs or centipedes-——It’s what’s for dinner!

[Delta 21]

Dont eat snails or critters that eat rat $h!t.

GOT IT!

[W.]

F dat S...

[V_TWIN]

“What to know about the parasitic roundworm”

Rule #1 don’t eat ‘em.

Rule #2 see rule #1

[treetopsandroofs]

“If you’re considering eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs or centipedes”

I always understood there was a good reason why some animals didn’t make it to the Kosher list.

[Bell Bouy II]

Also,dont take dare bets from your Soccer buds when your trashed on red wine

[frog in a pot]

Eating frogs, crabs and freshwater shrimp that are raw or undercooked may also be an issue.

Wonder if that would also apply to lobster.

Their legal department likely deleted the few words on what would constitute adequate cooking of shrimp.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Centipedes over 10cm Pinglist!

[ETL]

Re: “Eating frogs, crabs and freshwater shrimp that are raw or undercooked may also be an issue.”

No worries, as long as you put the “frog in a pot” and cook it.

[Jamestown1630]

The snail eating the meal worm is adorable...

[SkyDancer]

Don’t eat French cuisine?

[frog in a pot]

Ouch!

I prefer to think that when the water gets to a certain temp it will induce the frog to jump - which they do very well.

Ever been confronted by a pissed-off frog? If not, consider yourself lucky.(snort)

[MomwithHope]

Adorable.....??????????

[Jamestown1630]

Yeah. You don’t really think of them as having eyes, mouth, or much cognition at all. The clip made me view them differently as animals, than just something to saute in garlic and butter ;-)

[vetvetdoug]

A similar parasite of foxes and dogs has spread all over Europe and is now becoming ensconced into Southern England. I recently wondered why they were recommending heartworm preventative to dogs in England where there were no heartworms and discovered that the veterinarians were recommending the preventative for the dog/fox lungworm. It appears to me it is just a matter of time ( I predict ten years) before this parasite is in the SE US.

[bitt]

[Magnum44]

Not sure how your cartoon post found its way to this thread, but I like it.

[Carriage Hill]

“...eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs or centipedes...”

No thanks.