A parasitic worm commonly found in rats is spreading across Southeastern America. In severe situations, the worm can cause unconsciousness or even death in humans, and it can even infect dogs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rat-borne disease:
Microscopic rat lungworm now threatens a large area of the Southeast United States
In a study published recently in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers from Texas A&M, Zoo Atlanta, and Mississippi State University cautioned that the microscopic rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, now threatens a large area of the Southeast United States.
According to US News, the parasite can cause deadly brain encephalitis in both humans and their pets.
An examination of tissue samples from 33 wild brown rates discovered deceased on the premises of an Atlanta zoological facility between 2019 and 2022, found that more than a fourth of the rodents appeared to have worm-like larvae in their tissues.
Four of these cases were verified as rat lungworm infections; the other three were not confirmed but were most certainly Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections.
The worm can infect humans
Nicole Gottdenker, Professor of Pathology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, told Newsweek that the worm can infect humans.
“When the infective stage of the worm is accidentally ingested by a human, it can go to the brain or spinal cord and cause tremendous inflammation, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, headaches, sometimes arm and leg tingling,” stated Gottdenker.
While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the research shows that this worm poses a risk to human health.
The parasitic worm migrates to the brain, eyes, or lungs inside the human body, causing coma and death in severe cases
Typically, the parasitic worm is found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. However, it has lately been discovered in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and, most recently, Georgia.
It is transmitted by rat feces and can infect people and other animals via vegetables or other dietary items.
The parasitic worm migrates to the brain, eyes, or lungs inside the human body, causing coma and death in severe cases. Furthermore, it can cause fatal illnesses in pets, birds, and other wild creatures.
Washing vegetables, fruits, and other produce, as well as washing your hands, will help protect you and your family from the hazardous worm.
“People can avoid infection by washing vegetables thoroughly, not eating raw or undercooked snails or slugs, crabs, freshwater shrimp, or frog legs—and wear gloves if handling snails or slugs. And, as always ‘wash your veggies’ and ‘wash your hands!’,” said Nicole Gottdenker.