A parasitic brain worm found in tainted produce has been detected in states across the southeastern U.S., scientists say.
Rat lungworm usually resides in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, but the CDC says it has been detected in produce being sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana.
The parasite can infect humans if ingested, and though it can’t reproduce inside humans, it can still cause serious health problems.
Here’s what the CDC wants you to know about Angiostrongylus Cantonensis, or the rat lungworm.
- The adult form is only found in rodents, hence the name “rat lungworm,” but the parasite can be harmful to humans who eat food infested with it.
- The parasite infects snails and slugs along with rats, so undercooked snails or slugs ingested by humans could contain the parasite, as well as raw produce like lettuce that could contain small snails or slugs or even parts of one.
- Freshwater shrimp, frogs and crabs have also been cataloged as having been infected by the rat lungworm at times. Eating these creatures undercooked could also cause it to pass into humans.
- Humans infected with the rat lungworm cannot pass it to other humans
- Symptoms of rat lungworm infection can include headache, stiff neck, tingling or painful feelings in the skin, a low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting, but some who have eaten may show no symptoms at all.
- The parasite does eventually die, even if left untreated, but if you think you might be infected, the CDC suggests you visit your health care provider for a checkup.
To avoid infecting yourself with the rat lungworm, the CDC suggests making sure any snails, slugs, frogs, shrimp or crabs eaten are fully cooked, and that you should wash your hands after handling these creatures. They also suggest thoroughly cleaning fresh produce.
Avoid eating uncooked vegetables in areas where the parasite is common.
