Rat Lungworm

What is it?

Image credit: veggiegardener.com

  
Rat lungworm is a parasite that was brought to Hawaii from Southeast Asia by — you guessed it — rats. The parasite can be transferred to slugs/snails when they crawl through rat feces. Flatworms eat slugs and can also be carriers. The Semi-Slug (Parmarion martensi) can be more heavily infected with the parasite.

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How do humans contract it?

By eating raw/under cooked snails and slugs or food that has come into contact with their slime trails.

They may be hidden in produce and missed upon initial inspection. The slime trails left behind by infected gastropods also contain high amounts of the parasite. Slime trails are everywhere when you start to take notice of them. Sidewalks, picnic tables, counter tops, produce —makes you want to go wash your hands, right?

How do I know if I have been infected? What do I do?

Before you consult Dr. Google, know that symptoms are usually flu-like:

• headache
• stiffness in the neck
• fever
• joint pain
• fatigue
• nausea
• Your skin may feel itchy and/or extremely sensitive.

If you think there is any possibility that you have contracted this parasite, seek medical help immediately.

Rat lungworm cannot survive with humans as a host and will not live longer than a year. In that time however, the parasite makes its way to the brain where neurological damage can occur. Some patients still experience nerve pain, sensitivity, and paralysis years after being diagnosed.

Image credit: allaboutslugs.com

If all of this sound really scary, it’s because it is. The best measures you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your pets (yes, animals can be affected as well!) is to be informed and aware of the causes and symptoms. Be vigilant in inspecting and thoroughly washing your produce with soap and water. Wash your hands after working outside and especially before eating.

​How we can help...

We can help you mitigate the risks by:

• managing and maintaining areas that rats and slugs typically inhabit
• monitoring your growing environment for any home-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as advising you on the best places to plant
• creating barriers in your yard to help keep pests away from edibles
• applying slug and snail bait, and adjusting your irrigation system around bait applications
  

Contact us today to help rid your yard of slugs and snails.

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Sources: Malama O Puna at http://www.malamaopuna.org/ratlung/ and http://health.hawaii.gov