If you think you or your pet may have come into contact with a rat lungworm it is important to seek medical attention immediately and contact your local health department.
What is rat lungworm?
Rat lungworm or Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic worm that can infect rats slugs and snails. When an infected rat dies the worm larvae exit the rat’s lungs and mature in the environment. These larvae can infect slugs and snails which can then be eaten by people or animals causing infection.
How do people get rat lungworm?
People can become infected with rat lungworm through contact with contaminated soil water or food. This can happen if you:
• Eat uncooked contaminated snails or slugs
• Eat raw or undercooked contaminated crab shrimp or frog meat
• Touch contaminated soil or water and then touch your mouth or eyes or
• Have close contact with an infected animal such as a pet dog or cat.
What are the symptoms of rat lungworm infection in people?
In people the parasite can cause eosinophilic meningitis a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include severe headaches stiffness of the neck tingling or painful feelings in the skin low-grade fever nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 1-3 weeks after exposure but can take up to 8 weeks to appear.
How is rat lungworm infection diagnosed?
Rat lungworm infection is diagnosed based on symptoms exposure history and laboratory testing of the cerebrospinal fluid.
How is rat lungworm infection treated?
There is no specific treatment for rat lungworm infection and most people recover on their own. In severe cases hospitalization may be necessary to treat symptoms and complications.
Can rat lungworm infection be prevented?
You can reduce your risk of rat lungworm infection by taking the following precautions:
• Do not handle or eat raw or undercooked snails slugs or shellfish.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or coming into contact with soil water or animals.
• Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil or manure.
• Wear shoes and long pants when outdoors in areas where rats or snails may be present.
• Inspect your home and remove any potential rat or snail habitats such as garbage food or water sources.
• Do not let pets roam free in areas where rats or snails may be present.
How does Rat lungworm affect humans?
Answer: It can cause eosinophilic meningitis a serious inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of rat lungworm infection in humans?
Answer: Symptoms can include headache stiffness of the neck tingling or painful feelings in the skin low-grade fever nausea and vomiting.
In severe cases it can lead to paralysis and even death.
How do people get infected with rat lungworm?
Answer: People can get infected with rat lungworm by eating infected raw or undercooked snails or slugs or by coming into contact with contaminated soil or water.
How can I protect myself from rat lungworm?
Answer: To protect yourself from rat lungworm avoid eating raw or undercooked snails or slugs and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
You should also avoid contact with contaminated soil or water.
What should I do if I think I have rat lungworm?
Answer: If you think you might have rat lungworm see a doctor immediately.
How long does it take for rat lungworm symptoms to appear?
Answer: It can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks for symptoms of rat lungworm to appear.
How is rat lungworm treated?
Answer: There is no specific treatment for rat lungworm infection and most people recover on their own.
In severe cases hospitalization may be necessary.
Is rat lungworm fatal?
Answer: In severe cases rat lungworm infection can lead to paralysis and even death.
However most people recover from the infection without any lasting effects.
How can I prevent rat lungworm?
Answer: You can prevent rat lungworm by avoiding contact with infected snails or slugs and by washing your hands thoroughly after handling them.
You should also avoid contact with contaminated soil or water.
What are the symptoms of rat lungworm in animals?
Answer: Symptoms of rat lungworm in animals can include weight loss lethargy and neurological problems.
How do animals get rat lungworm?
Answer: Animals can get rat lungworm by eating infected snails or slugs or by coming into contact with contaminated soil or water.
How can I protect my animals from rat lungworm?
Answer: To protect your animals from rat lungworm avoid letting them eat raw or undercooked snails or slugs and wash their hands thoroughly after handling them.
You should also avoid contact with contaminated soil or water.
What should I do if my animal has rat lungworm?
Answer: If your animal has rat lungworm see a veterinarian immediately.
How is rat lungworm treated in animals?
Answer: There is no specific treatment for rat lungworm infection in animals and most animals recover on their own.
In severe cases hospitalization may be necessary.
Can humans get rat lungworm from animals?
Answer: Yes humans can get rat lungworm from animals.
