A 21-year-old man from Sydney, Australia is in critical condition as we speak as a result of a foolish challenge. The challenge was simply to eat a bad idea, because now he has contracted the rat lungworm.
The rat lungworm or Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic infection in rats where the worm matures. Mollusks such as snails and slugs collect Angiostrongylus larvae by ingesting them in rat feces.
The infection is by accidental ingestion or as in this case raw snails and slugs. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables can also be a source if they become contaminated with small shellfish. Eating raw or undercooked prawns and crabs that have eaten shellfish can also be a source of infection.
Many cases of rat lungworm are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. However, rat lungworm can cause very severe eosinophilic meningitis (as cerebrospinal fluid can have a high percentage of eosinophils). Symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, skin tingling or pain, brain swelling, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms can last from weeks to months. Deaths have been reported.
Since the parasite eventually dies because it cannot mature and complete its life cycle in humans, treatment is generally not necessary. Usually symptom management; Headache medication and steroids is all that is needed. Antiparasitic drugs are generally ineffective against rat lungworm.
To avoid rat lungworm:
• Do not eat raw or undercooked snails or slugs.
• Cook crabs and prawns to kill larvae.
• Clean lettuce and other products well.