The rat lungworm is endemic to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.
However, in recent years, it has been detected in other parts of the world, such as Louisiana, Texas, and Florida in the USA. The new study, published in the journalBrain and lung tissue samples showing Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in brown rats The researchers analyzed tissue samples from brown rats collected from a zoo in Atlanta between 2019 and 2022. Based on genetic testing and microscopic examination, they found that about 20% of the rats were infected with the rat lungworm.
were similar to those found in Louisiana and other regions of the USA where they have recently emerged.The findings suggest that the rat lungworm was introduced to and has become established in a new area of the southeastern USA. The parasite may have been present in Georgia for longer than previously known, as it has been reported in neighboring states such as Florida and Alabama before 2019.
Human cases of rat lungworm infection are rare in the USA, but they may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and testing. Most infections are mild and resolve without treatment, but some can be severe and require medical attention. The parasite can also affect wildlife and domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
The study's authors warn that the rat lungworm in Atlanta poses “a possible threat to the health of humans and domestic, free-ranging, and captive animals.” They recommend more research to monitor the distribution and impact of the parasite in the USA and to develop prevention and control strategies.
Some tips to prevent rat lungworm infection include washing hands before eating or preparing food, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them raw or cooked, avoiding eating raw or undercooked snails or slugs or their slime trails, avoiding contact with rodents or their droppings, and keeping pets away from snails or slugs or treating them for worms regularly.
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