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Angiostrongylus Cantonensis

All articles tagged with #angiostrongylus cantonensis

health1 month ago•5 min saved

California Faces First Established Presence of Rat Lungworm

A neurological parasite, rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), has been found in wild animals and a parma wallaby at the San Diego Zoo, marking California’s first established presence. While the overall public risk is low, infection can cause severe neurological illness and death; transmission occurs through raw or undercooked hosts (snails, slugs, freshwater crabs, prawns, frogs) or contaminated produce, and early treatment improves outcomes. California officials say it’s not yet endemic and ongoing surveillance is needed to determine if local transmission is occurring. The findings came from work by the San Diego Zoo and wildlife groups, highlighting the parasite’s ability to be introduced to California from endemic areas.

via Los Angeles Times|

#angiostrongylus-cantonensis #california #health

health1 month ago•5 min saved

First West Coast foothold of rat lungworm detected in San Diego wildlife

San Diego County wildlife have tested positive for rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) for the first time west of Texas, starting with a Parma wallaby at the San Diego Zoo in December 2024; subsequent testing found infections in 3 of 64 dead wild rats and in 7 of 10 Virginia opossums, suggesting the parasite may be endemic in the area with potential spread to the western United States. Public health officials urge precautions, including washing produce and avoiding raw or undercooked snails or slugs.

via cbs8.com|

#angiostrongylus-cantonensis #health #public-health

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Rat Lungworm Likely Endemic in Southern California, Study Finds

San Diego researchers report infections of the brain-infecting rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis in a Parma wallaby at the zoo and in local rats and opossums, suggesting the parasite has become endemic in Southern California. The life cycle involves rats and snails, and humans can develop eosinophilic meningitis after ingesting contaminated snails or produce. While human cases remain rare, the study notes broader geographic expansion is possible with warming climates, and rat-lungworm should be considered in differential diagnoses for CNS disease in the region.

via Gizmodo|

#angiostrongylus-cantonensis #california #eosinophilic-meningitis

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Parasitic Brain Worms Invade Atlanta, Scientists Issue Warning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the presence of a parasitic brain worm called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as "rat lungworm," in Atlanta. The worm, which can cause parasitic meningitis in humans, was found in wild brown rats in 2019 and 2022. The CDC warns that the worm poses a potential threat to human and animal health in the greater Atlanta area. Infections can occur through the consumption of contaminated produce or by eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or other infected animals. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe, including eosinophilic meningitis, and there are currently no specific treatments available.

via WSB Atlanta|

#angiostrongylus-cantonensis #atlanta #cdc

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Brain-invading Parasitic Worm Discovered in Atlanta, Alarming Researchers"

Researchers have discovered the presence of the parasitic brain worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as the rat lungworm, in Atlanta, Georgia. The study found that over 20% of wild brown rats in the area had nematodes in their heart, pulmonary artery, or brain tissues. The researchers believe that the parasite has spread and become established in parts of the southeastern United States. Humans can become accidental hosts of the parasite by consuming raw or undercooked food, and while outbreaks are rare, the worm can cause a rare brain infection called eosinophilic meningitis. There is currently no specific treatment for the parasite, but healthcare providers may be able to offer treatments to reduce symptoms.

via FOX 5 Atlanta|

#angiostrongylus-cantonensis #atlanta #brain-infection