(Left:) Stock image of a woman scratching her legs; (Right) Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a, the “rat lungworm”. Photo: Getty; CDC
A 30-year-old woman from New England experienced a terrifying medical mystery after returning from a three-week vacation to Thailand, Japan, and Hawaii. What started as fatigue and a burning sensation in her legs turned out to be a rare case of brain worms caused by the rat lungworm parasite. This shocking story, detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights the dangers of consuming raw or contaminated food while traveling.
What Are Brain Worms?
Brain worms, scientifically known as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, are parasitic worms typically found in rats. Humans can accidentally ingest these parasites by consuming raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or contaminated produce. The parasite can cause a condition called eosinophilic meningitis, leading to severe neurological symptoms.
How Did the Woman Get Infected?
The woman’s symptoms began after her vacation, where she:
- Ate sushi and salad frequently
- Swam in the ocean multiple times
Doctors believe she ingested the parasite through contaminated food or water. The rat lungworm is endemic in Hawaii and other tropical regions, making it a potential risk for travelers.
Symptoms of Rat Lungworm Disease
The woman’s symptoms progressed over time, including:
- Fatigue (initially mistaken for jet lag)
- Burning pain in her feet and legs
- Severe headaches unresponsive to medication
- Confusion and disorientation
Her condition worsened until she was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with rat lungworm infection.
How Is Rat Lungworm Disease Treated?
The patient was treated with:
- Prednisone: A steroid to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system
- Anti-parasite medication: To target the larvae
After six days of treatment, she was discharged and recovered fully.
How to Protect Yourself from Brain Worms
Travelers to tropical regions should take precautions to avoid rat lungworm infection:
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or seafood
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Be cautious when swimming in freshwater or eating raw produce in endemic areas
The Life Cycle of the Rat Lungworm
The parasite has a complex life cycle:
- Rats ingest infected snails or slugs.
- The parasite lays eggs in the rat’s lungs.
- Infected rats pass the larvae through their feces.
- Snails, slugs, or other hosts consume the larvae.
- Humans accidentally ingest the infected hosts or contaminated produce.
Key Takeaways
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety, especially while traveling. Rat lungworm disease is rare but can have severe consequences. Always be mindful of what you eat and drink in regions where the parasite is endemic.
#BrainWorms #RatLungworm #TravelSafety #FoodSafety #HealthAwareness
