What is Rat Lungworm? Let's find out the details!

Sometimes we may suddenly get a severe headache, or our neck may become so stiff that we cannot turn it. We may feel upset a few days after eating a meal. There may be reasons behind such things that we do not even think about. Today we are going to talk about a disease that is a little strange to hear, but it is very important for everyone to know about. This is called (Rat Lungworm) .

What is this (Rat Lungworm)? Simply put...

Simply put, this (Rat Lungworm) is a parasitic worm . To be precise, the scientific name of this worm is (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) . This worm is called "Rat Lungworm" because it lives mostly in the large blood vessels (pulmonary arteries) of the lungs of rats. So you can imagine how unpleasant this is, right?

When we get this disease, that is, this worm infection, doctors call it (Angiostrongyliasis) . Most of the time, even though this infection occurs, some people do not show any symptoms. However, in some cases, this worm can travel to our brain. If that happens, a condition like meningitis can occur. In particular, this causes a type of meningitis called (Eosinophilic meningitis) . In this, the membranes covering the brain become infected and swell. Sometimes, the parasite can even go deep into the brain and cause damage.

Important: Brain fever can be a very dangerous condition, so if you have symptoms like a headache or stiff neck, you should see a doctor immediately.

How do we get this disease (Rat Lungworm)?

This may sound a bit complicated, but let's keep it simple. This is how the parasite (Rat Lungworm) is transmitted:

1. First of all, this type of worm lives in the lungs of mice.

2. Rats excrete the larvae of these worms (which we call larvae ) with their feces.

3. Then, when animals like snails and slugs (called gastropods ) eat this feces, the worms enter their bodies.

4. When the rats eat the snails or slugs that contain these worms again, the worms grow inside the rats' bodies, and the cycle begins again.

Now the question is, how do people develop this?

If we unknowingly eat a snail or slug that has these worms in it without cooking it properly, or if a snail or slug has eaten a vegetable or fruit that has been covered in their slime (for example, lettuce, spinach, etc.) and we eat it raw without washing it properly, those worms can enter our body. Then those worms can grow in our body, travel to the brain, and cause the symptoms mentioned earlier.

Additionally, it is sometimes said that eating raw or undercooked freshwater shrimp, crabs, and frogs that harbor this parasite can cause this disease. However, this is not a very common occurrence.

What are the symptoms of Rat Lungworm?

We've already said that most people who get this infection don't experience any major symptoms. However, if the worm reaches the brain, which causes eosinophilic meningitis , symptoms like these can occur:

• A very severe headache. A headache that feels like your head is going to explode.
• Neck pain or stiffness. Sometimes your neck gets so stiff that you can't even lower your chin to your chest.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• A tingling or prickling sensation in some parts of the body. Doctors call this (Paresthesia) .
• Vision changes. You may see blurry vision or double vision.
• Confusion. A feeling of being out of consciousness, unable to understand what is happening.
• Sensitivity to light. This means it is difficult to look at bright lights, and the eyes become blue. This is called (Photophobia) .

If you have one or more of these symptoms, especially if you ate vegetables or fruits that were not washed properly, you should definitely see a doctor.

Does this (Rat Lungworm) exist in Sri Lanka?

This worm disease is most commonly seen in Southeast Asian countries and the Pacific Islands. These patients have also been reported in America, especially Hawaii. Talking about Sri Lanka, since there are a lot of rats, snails, and slugs in our country, we should also be concerned about this disease. Especially since we often buy vegetables and fruits from the garden or the market and use them, we have to think twice about whether we clean them properly.

Imagine if you found a small slug or snail hiding in a bunch of greens you brought from the market, or some spinach you grew in your garden, and you didn't notice it, just washed it twice in water, and made a raw sambol? In that case, there's a high chance that those worms will get into your body.

Can this disease be transmitted from one person to another?

No. This disease (Rat Lungworm) is not transmitted from one person to another . That means it cannot be transmitted by talking to or touching someone who has the disease. It can only be transmitted by eating something that has the parasite.

What other animals are bothered by this worm?

Rats are the main carriers of this worm. Snails and slugs can also harbor the larvae. In addition, animals such as frogs, shrimp, crabs, lizards, and birds can sometimes become infected with these worms.

Can Rat Lungworm cause other complications?

Most people recover completely from this (Rat Lungworm) infection. However, in rare cases, if the infection develops into a brain infection called (eosinophilic meningitis) , some complications and long-term health problems can occur. For example:

• Hearing loss .
• Problems with memory or attention.
• Seizures, like epilepsy .

That is why it is important to seek treatment quickly if you have symptoms.

How do doctors diagnose this disease?

A doctor will usually suspect a rat lungworm infection by looking at your symptoms and asking you if you've eaten anything that might contain the parasite. Sometimes they will look for the worms, their larvae, or eosinophils , a type of blood cell that increases with parasitic infection, in your body fluids (for example, a spinal tap or a spinal tap).

What are the treatments for this?

There is no specific treatment for this (Rat Lungworm) infection. Most of the time, it will clear up on its own over time . However, if you have symptoms, your doctor can give you home remedies to help manage them, or they can give you treatments like these in the hospital:

• Pain relievers .
• Anti-nausea medications .
• Intravenous (IV) fluids , which are fluids given into a vein.
• Sedatives , if the patient is very restless.
• Sometimes, medications called corticosteroids are also given to reduce brain swelling.

What can I expect if I develop this disease?

As mentioned earlier, most people who develop meningitis recover completely. However, symptoms may be mild or severe for several weeks, or even months, as the parasites die inside the body, due to the swelling they cause. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of Rat Lungworm and think you may have eaten something that may contain parasites (such as unwashed vegetables or raw snails), be sure to see a doctor. Your doctor can monitor your condition, determine if the disease is getting worse, and help you manage your symptoms.

When should I go to the Emergency Department (ETU) ?

If you have symptoms of meningitis , it means:

• A very severe headache or stiff neck.
• Seizures.
• Confusion or other mental changes.
• Sudden changes in vision.

If something like this happens, you should go to an emergency room immediately , or call 1990. This could be an emergency.

What should I ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, it's helpful to ask these questions:

• What should I do to manage my symptoms?
• What new or worsening symptoms should I watch for?
• How long will it take for me to recover?

Can't we avoid this disease (Rat Lungworm)?

It definitely is possible! Here are some of the best ways to avoid or reduce the risk of getting Rat Lungworm:

• If you eat things like snails, crabs, and shrimp, make sure to cook them well. Avoid eating them raw.
• Wash vegetables and greens (especially raw lettuce, spinach, and kale) thoroughly under running water before eating. Also, check them for snails, slugs, and their eggs. Even a small slug can hide under a leaf.

Especially remember: When using some types of leaves (e.g., gotukola) raw to make sambol, you need to carefully inspect and wash each leaf individually. If possible, it is also a good idea to soak them in water with a little vinegar for a few minutes before washing.

• In areas where Rat Lungworm is prevalent , avoid eating raw vegetables as much as possible. Eat well-cooked foods.
• If you have snails and slugs in your garden, find ways to control them. But be careful when using environmentally harmful pesticides.
• Teach your children about this too. Teach them not to touch snails when playing outside and to wash their hands thoroughly before eating.

The name "rat lungworm" makes you tingle, doesn't it? It's a scary name. But many people recover completely from it. But that doesn't mean it should be taken lightly. Any infection of the brain can be dangerous, especially if the cause is not known. So, if you have symptoms of brain flu, go to the emergency room immediately.

The most important thing to remember from what we have discussed (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you have a good understanding of what we talked about today (Rat Lungworm). The most important thing is:

• This is a parasitic worm disease that starts in rats and can be transmitted to humans through snails/snails.
• It is mainly transmitted by eating undercooked or improperly cleaned food (especially snails, slugs, and the types of food they live in).
• Symptoms may include a severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and numbness . The most severe case is a brain fever called eosinophilic meningitis .
• This is not contagious.
• Prevention is the best way to go. Cook your food well and wash your vegetables thoroughly.
• If you have symptoms of brain fever , seek medical advice immediately.

So, by being a little more careful about what we eat and drink, we can stay away from these kinds of diseases. If you have any more questions about this, ask a doctor. Stay healthy!

` Rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, brain infection, parasite, snails, slugs, meningitis, eosinophilic meningitis, food safety