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Rat Lungworm

All articles tagged with #rat lungworm

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

health5 months ago•2 min saved

Rat Lungworm Disease Confirmed in Adult on Kauai

The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a case of rat lungworm disease in an adult on Kauai, marking the first since 2019 on the island. The disease, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, affects the nervous system and is primarily contracted through ingestion of infected snails, slugs, or contaminated produce. Health officials emphasize the importance of thorough washing of fruits and vegetables and controlling pest populations to prevent infection.

via Honolulu Star-Advertiser|

#disease-prevention #hawaii #health

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

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Emerging Threat: Parasitic Brain Worm Spreading in Southeastern US"

Scientists are warning that a parasitic brain worm called rat lungworm, typically found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, has been identified in states around the Southeast US, including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. The parasite can infect humans through contaminated produce, but cannot reproduce in the human body. While most people recover fully without treatment, severe symptoms can occur. To prevent infection, individuals are advised to avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, frogs, or shrimp, and to thoroughly wash fresh produce.

via WSB Atlanta|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #contaminated-produce #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Invasive Brain-Hopping Worm Spreads in US Region

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that a parasite known as rat lungworm, typically found on rats and slugs, is becoming more widespread in the southeastern U.S., raising concerns about an increased risk to humans. The parasite can infect humans and animals through various pathways in the food chain, potentially leading to severe neurological dysfunction or even death. While the worm cannot complete its life cycle in humans, there is currently no specific test or treatment for these infections. The study suggests that the species is invading new territories, having originally been native to parts of Asia.

via Scripps News|

#emerging-infectious-diseases #health #neurological-dysfunction

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Emerging Rat-Borne Brain Parasite Spreads in Southeast US

A study conducted in Atlanta suggests that the rat lungworm, a parasite that typically infects rats and slugs but can also invade human brains, has firmly established itself in the Southeast US and is likely to continue spreading. The study found evidence of rat lungworm infection in seven out of 33 collected rats, indicating sustained transmission. The parasite's complex life cycle involves rats, slugs, and snails, with humans becoming accidental hosts through the consumption of undercooked snails or infected slugs. In humans, the parasite can cause severe neurological dysfunction, ranging from mild symptoms to paralysis, coma, and even death.

via Ars Technica|

#health #infection #neurological-dysfunction

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Invasive African Land Snails Trigger Quarantine in Broward County

Parts of Broward County are under quarantine after the return of the invasive African land snail, which carries the parasite rat lungworm known to cause meningitis in humans. The snails have been eradicated twice in Florida within the past 50 years. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will use a metaldehyde-based molluscicide for treatment, and inspectors, snail hunters, and snail canines will continue searching for the snails throughout Broward County for the next few weeks.

via WPLG Local 10|

#african-land-snail #broward-county #health