ANGIOSTRONGYLUS INFECTION

Rat lungworm, also known as Angiostrongylus infection, can be passed between mollusks such as slugs, snails, and rats, and it can cause illness in humans. When parasites contaminate a human, they are unable to propagate or mature and will die in due time.

Humans are unable to transmit the parasite to others. When you eat a highly infectious animal, the parasite enters your bloodstream via your intestine, where it can then travel to your brain. The severity of the symptoms is determined by the number of larvae consumed.

SYMPTOMS

The following are the most common symptoms of Angiostrongylus infection:

  • Nausea
  • Stiff neck
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Headache

The parasite can penetrate human eyes, necessitating surgery to extract the worms. It can also result in a type of meningitis. People who have a more serious infection may go into a coma or die.

So, if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek immediate medical attention.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of Angiostrongylus infection can be challenging, in part because no blood tests are widely available. A history of travel to areas where the parasite is known to be found and the intake of undercooked or raw slugs, snails or potentially transport hosts (including freshwater shrimp, frogs or land crabs) in those places are crucial clues that could ultimately lead to the diagnosis of infection.

Another important detail is a high level of eosinophils, a type of blood cell that can be increased in the presence of a parasite or in the fluid or blood that surrounds the brain. People who are concerned that they may be infected should see their doctor.

TREATMENT

Angiostrongylus infection has no particular treatment. There is some clear indication that certain supportive therapies may lessen the severity and intensity of headache signs. Individuals experiencing symptoms should seek advice from their doctor.

Prevention

Because you don’t develop immunity to the disease by having it, you can catch it more than once.

The following are ways to prevent Angiostrongylus infection:

  • Before eating fruits and vegetables, make sure they’re clean.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and keep a clean environment.
  • Before consuming snails, frogs, and crustaceans, make sure they are thoroughly cooked.

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