CDC detects brain-invading worm from Southeast Asian rats in US.
A New Study Reveals the Threat of Rat Lungworm in the US
A recent study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the presence of a parasitic worm known as “rat lungworm” in the United States. This evocatively named creature, scientifically referred to as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, has both good and bad news associated with it.
The Good News: It’s Usually Not Fatal
Contrary to its ominous name, rat lungworm is typically not a fatal infection.
The Bad News: It’s Here to Stay
Unfortunately, this parasite has made its way from Asia, where it was first discovered, and seems to have established itself in the U.S.
The study, featured in the latest issue of “Emerging Infectious Diseases,” reveals that rat lungworm has been found in various coastal states, including Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. The hypothesis is that it arrived in the U.S. through nautical trade routes. The study was conducted in Georgia.
Although the study was relatively small, examining 33 rats, it found the presence of the worms in seven of them. This suggests that Angiostrongylus cantonensis is well-established in the area.
Rat lungworm is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The exact details of how it spreads remain unknown, but the study’s authors suggest that human activity and changes in local food webs may be contributing to its transmission.
The authors of the study warn that the presence of rat lungworm in urban rat populations, as well as in gastropod intermediate hosts and other animals, poses a potential threat to human and animal health in the greater Atlanta area.
According to Ars Technica, adult worms reside in blood vessels near a rat’s lungs and lay eggs there. The rat then coughs up the larvae, which it subsequently consumes. Slugs and snails feeding on rat feces can ingest the larvae, and when rats eat these infected slugs and snails, the larvae move to the rats’ central nervous system and brain, perpetuating the cycle.
Humans can accidentally ingest the larvae by consuming undercooked snails or improperly washed salad. They can also indirectly consume the larvae by eating undercooked frogs, shrimp, crabs, or other animals that have fed on infected snails or slugs.
In humans, rat lungworms behave similarly to their behavior in rodents, migrating to the central nervous system and brain. While they often cause no harm or only mild, temporary symptoms, severe cases can lead to debilitating symptoms such as neck stiffness, tingling or burning of the skin, double vision, and even seizures. In rare instances, the infection can cause nerve damage, paralysis, coma, or death.
The CDC warns that rat lungworm can also result in eosinophilic meningitis or eye problems.
Although there have been some cases of rat lungworms completing their life cycle in human lungs, it is generally believed that our immune systems are strong enough to prevent the parasite from causing significant harm.
Unfortunately, anti-parasitic drugs have proven ineffective against rat lungworms in humans and have even worsened symptoms in some cases.
For more information on rat lungworm, you can watch the CDC’s video:
While the threat of rat lungworm in the U.S. is concerning, further research and public awareness can help mitigate its impact and protect human and animal health.
Source: The Western Journal
What are the symptoms of rat lungworm infection in humans?
Technica, symptoms of rat lungworm infection in humans can vary from mild meningitis to severe neurological complications. The parasite works its way into the central nervous system and can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord.
The study also highlights the need for increased awareness and surveillance of rat lungworm in the U.S. as cases of infection may be underreported or misdiagnosed due to limited knowledge about the disease. This lack of awareness also extends to healthcare providers who may not be familiar with the symptoms and treatment options for rat lungworm.
Preventing rat lungworm infection becomes crucial in light of these findings. The CDC suggests several measures that can help reduce the risk of infection. Firstly, people should avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or frogs, as they can act as intermediate hosts for the parasite. It is also advisable to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to remove any potential contamination.
Furthermore, pet owners should be cautious when handling their pets’ droppings, as it is possible for rats to shed the parasite in their feces. Proper hygiene practices such as washing hands after handling pets and using gloves when cleaning their living spaces can help minimize the risk.
The study emphasizes the need for further research on rat lungworm to better understand its transmission, prevalence, and potential impacts on public health. Additionally, education campaigns targeting both the general public and healthcare professionals are essential to raise awareness about rat lungworm and its associated risks.
In conclusion, the recent study by the CDC has brought attention to the threat of rat lungworm in the United States. While it is usually not fatal, the parasite’s presence in the country is a cause for concern. Increased efforts are needed to understand and mitigate the risks associated with rat lungworm through surveillance, prevention measures, and public education. By addressing these challenges, we can better protect the health and well-being of both humans and animals from this emerging threat.
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