Freshwater snails are commonly found in ponds and streams and can also be found in moist soil or on aquatic plants. These snails are often host to a parasitic worm called the rat lungworm which can infect humans if they eat contaminated raw snails or other animals that have eaten them.
While the majority of infections are mild some can be serious or even fatal. In severe cases the rat lungworm can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) leading to neurological problems and in some cases death.
In 2016 a CDC report found that 14 people in the US had died from rat lungworm infection between 2006 and 2017. Most of these cases were in Hawaii where the parasite is more common. But there have also been reports of infections in other parts of the world including Asia Africa the Caribbean and South America.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been infected with the rat lungworm it’s important to see a doctor immediately. There is no specific treatment for the infection but symptoms can be treated and in some cases the parasite can be removed surgically.
To avoid infection it’s important to practice good food safety when handling and eating snails or other raw or undercooked seafood. If you’re handling snails wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you’re eating snails make sure they’re cooked thoroughly before consuming.
How do freshwater snails kill people?
Answer 1: By secreting a toxin that is fatal if ingested.
Why are freshwater snails a risk to humans?
Answer 2: Because they can contaminate freshwater supplies with their toxins which can lead to fatal illnesses if ingested.
What illnesses can be caused by consuming water contaminated with snail toxins?
Answer 3: Schistosomiasis also known as snail fever is a fatal illness caused by parasites that are transmitted through contaminated water.
How do people become infected with schistosomiasis?
Answer 4: By coming into contact with contaminated water typically through swimming wading or bathing.
What are the symptoms of schistosomiasis?
Answer 5: Symptoms of schistosomiasis can include fever chills fatigue muscle aches and a rash.
In severe cases the illness can lead to organ damage and death.
How can schistosomiasis be prevented?
Answer 6: Schistosomiasis can be prevented by avoiding contact with contaminated water.
How is schistosomiasis treated?
Answer 7: Schistosomiasis is treated with antibiotics.
What is the prognosis for someone with schistosomiasis?
Answer 8: The prognosis for someone with schistosomiasis is generally good if the illness is caught early and treated promptly.
However in severe cases the illness can lead to organ damage and death.
What are some other illnesses that can be caused by snail toxins?
Answer 9: Other illnesses that can be caused by snail toxins include meningitis encephalitis and liver damage.
How can people protect themselves from becoming ill from snail toxins?
Answer 10: People can protect themselves from becoming ill from snail toxins by avoiding contact with contaminated water and by cooking snails thoroughly before eating them.
What are some of the complications that can arise from schistosomiasis?
Answer 11: Some of the complications that can arise from schistosomiasis include liver damage kidney damage and infertility.
Can schistosomiasis be cured?
Answer 12: Yes schistosomiasis can be cured with antibiotics.
Is there a vaccine for schistosomiasis?
Answer 13: No there is no vaccine for schistosomiasis.
How can schistosomiasis be prevented from spreading?
Answer 14: Schistosomiasis can be prevented from spreading by avoiding contact with contaminated water and by treating infected individuals promptly with antibiotics.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with schistosomiasis?
Answer 15: The long-term outlook for someone with schistosomiasis is generally good if the illness is caught early and treated promptly.
However in some cases the illness can lead to organ damage and death.
