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

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

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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.

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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.

Thanks for the first-hand info. Are you still working as a vet? (animal doctor)

[1066AD]

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/sydney-man-who-contracted-rat-lungworm-after-eating-slug-dies/news-story/08b0e700a8d6d6c6709d2dd92dfeaa8f

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Australia
Published 16 hours ago

Rugby player who swallowed garden slug as dare has died, 8 years after health nightmare began

Rohan Smith | news.com.au

https://www.foxnews.com/health/rugby-player-who-swallowed-garden-slug-as-dare-has-died-8-years-after-health-nightmare-began

[vetvetdoug]

I sold my practice and quit on 1 January ‘18 and just got back from England. I had an interesting visit to a veterinary practice about 70 miles North of London near Cambridge and learned some of the problems and non problems that British veterinarians have.

[MomwithHope]

We have a lot in common except this. LOL I would never eat anything slimy ever.

[Jamestown1630]

I’ve never had an opportunity to eat them, and doubt I would. I like them better alive ;-)

[Jamestown1630]

Maybe they are not ‘slimy’ when cooked. Maybe somebody here has enjoyed the experience and can let us know...

[EinNYC]

I sold my practice and quit on 1 January ‘18 and just got back from England. I had an interesting visit to a veterinary practice about 70 miles North of London near Cambridge and learned some of the problems and non problems that British veterinarians have.

I have been enjoying watching the videos on Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and how he innovates surgical parts and procedures to save pets. Man is totally dedicated to his cause. Did you ever meet him?