Imagine that you accidentally ate a small snail with a lettuce leaf, or sometimes there are cases when children swallow slugs like a bet. Although this may seem like a very small thing, there is a dangerous parasite that can enter your body through this. Although the disease caused by this is rare, it can sometimes be serious. So today we will talk about this rat lungworm, or `Rat Lungworm`.
What is this rat lungworm?
Simply put, this is a parasitic worm that lives in the body of rats. It is medically called `Angiostrongylus cantonensis`. The entire life cycle of these worms, that is, becoming a small worm, occurs only inside the body of rats, especially in the blood vessels of the lungs. If these enter the bodies of other animals, the larvae live for a while and then die.
When this parasite enters the human body, we develop a disease called `angiostrongyliasis`. This is also called `neural angiostrongyliasis (NAS)` because it affects our nervous system. The most dangerous complication caused by this is `eosinophilic meningitis`, a brain fever. This is not contagious from person to person. However, if it becomes severe, it can even be life-threatening.
How is this worm transmitted to humans?
Its life cycle is very simple.
1. It starts with rats: When an infected rat defecates, these worm larvae are released into the environment along with the feces.
2. Snails and slugs: When animals like snails and slugs eat the dead rodents, the worm larvae enter the animals' bodies. Inside those bodies, some larvae develop.
3. Rats again: If a rat eats an infected snail, the worm larvae enter the rat's body, where they develop into roundworms and complete the life cycle.
Humans are infected by eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or other intermediate hosts (see below) that carry the parasite. The worms can also enter our bodies by eating unwashed lettuce and other leafy greens that have been exposed to these animals.
The important thing is that this parasite does not become a benign worm in the human body. But when those larvae travel to our brain and die there, it is the inflammation that occurs in our body in response to that that causes the symptoms.
Do only snails breed this?
No. Although it was previously thought that way, it has now been discovered that it can be transmitted through many other species of animals.
| Animals that can be carriers of the parasite | Animals involved in infecting humans |
|---|---|
| Cows, crabs, flatworms, fish, frogs, lizards, pigs, shrimp, toads. | Insects, fish, flatworms, frogs, lizards, shrimp, toads. |
Therefore, it is important to avoid eating these animals raw or undercooked. Also, this parasite can survive for up to 72 hours in dirty water. Therefore, it is important to use clean water.
What are the symptoms?
Some people may not have any symptoms at all. Others may have very mild symptoms that go away in a few days. However, if you develop eosinophilic meningitis, the symptoms will become more obvious. These symptoms can appear within 1-3 weeks of infection.
| Common symptoms | Specific symptoms in children |
|---|---|
|
Is my child at risk?
Yes. Children are at higher risk for this. Because they pick up snails and slugs out of curiosity, and sometimes put them in their mouths. Even friends can do these things. If your child has the above symptoms and you have even the slightest suspicion that he has touched or eaten such an animal, see a doctor immediately.
How does the doctor diagnose and treat this?
Your doctor will first ask about your symptoms and whether you have eaten raw snails, etc. Sometimes, the disease can be suspected based on that information alone.
Some tests may be done to see if there is a fever in the brain.
- Blood tests: Check for an increased number of eosinophil cells in the blood.
- CT scan: To see if there are any changes in the brain.
- Spinal Tap / Lumbar Puncture: This is the most definitive test. Your spine is numbed, a very fine needle is inserted, and a small amount of the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is removed and tested to see if there are any worms or other abnormalities.
As for treatment, most of the time no specific treatment is needed. Because these worms die on their own after a while in our bodies. The doctor will often prescribe medications to control the symptoms, that is, for pain and inflammation in the body .
However, if the infection is severe, an anti-parasitic drug like albendazole may be given to kill the worms before they can cause further damage to the brain, and steroids may be given to reduce inflammation. This is all up to your doctor.
How can you survive this?
The best thing to do is to prevent this. You can do these simple things to prevent it.
- Do not eat raw: Never eat animals like snails, slugs, frogs, shrimp, and crabs raw or undercooked .
- Wash vegetables and greens thoroughly: Especially things that are eaten raw like lettuce and greens grown in the garden, wash them thoroughly under running water before using. It is best to soak them in water with a little salt or vinegar for a few minutes before washing . This will remove any small snails that may be clinging to them.
- Wash your hands: When working in the garden, wear gloves if you handle snails. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Educate children: Teach children about the dangers of putting animals like snails and slugs in their mouths.
- Control rats: Controlling the infestation of rats around homes also indirectly helps reduce the spread of this disease.
Although this condition is not commonly reported in Sri Lanka, as a tropical country, we are also at risk. Therefore, by preparing food cleanly and safely, we can stay safe from such unwanted diseases.
Take-Home Message
- Rat Lungworm is a parasite that lives in the bodies of rats. It is transmitted to humans by eating raw or undercooked infected snails, slugs, or other animals.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and numbness of the skin, and you have eaten such food, seek medical advice immediately.
- The best way to prevent this disease is to practice food safety. Wash all vegetables and herbs thoroughly and cook meat thoroughly before eating.
- Children are at higher risk. Educate them about this and teach them to wash their hands thoroughly after playing in the garden.
- This disease is not contagious from person to person, so there is no need to be afraid of being around someone who is sick.
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