Giant African Land Snail reportedly found in Houston, researcher warns of rat lungworm risk
A Houston homeowner in west Houston spotted a big snail in her backyard garden and took a photo of it. She notified workers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center who deal with invasive plants. They contacted researchers at Sam Houston State University who identified the creature as the Giant African Land Snail, according to a click2houston.com news report.
Now, researchers are sending out a serious warning advising the public not to touch the unusual snail.
The parasite that Dr. Smith-Herron is alluding to is Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or the rat lungworm.
A. cantonensis is a parasitic infection in rats where the worm matures. Mollusks like snails and slugs pick up Angiostrongylus larvae by ingesting them in rat feces.
Infection is typically by accidentally or intentionally ingesting raw snails and slugs. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables may also be a source if contaminated by small mollusks. Eating raw or undercooked prawns and crabs that have ingested mollusks may also be a source of infection.
Many cases of rat lungworm are asymptomatic or showing just mild symptoms. However, rat lungworm can result in a very serious disease known as eosinophilic meningitis (since the spinal fluid may have a high percentage of eosinophils). The symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, tingling or painful feelings in the skin, brain swelling, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Deaths have been reported.
Since the parasite dies over time because it can’t mature and complete its life cycle in humans, treatment is usually not necessary. Usually treatment of symptoms; headache medicine and steroids are all that is needed. Anti-parasitic drugs are generally ineffective against the rat lungworm.
The public is asked that if they do come into contact with the snail, thoroughly scrub and wash their hands.
The USDA has launched an investigation into the sighting.
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