Question By: Rat Lungworm disease, caused by the parasitic worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is primarily transmitted to humans through indirect contact with the parasite’s lifecycle involving rats and snails or slugs. The parasite’s natural hosts are rats, in which the adult worms live and reproduce. Infected rats shed the larvae of the parasite in their feces, which are then consumed by snails and slugs—common intermediate hosts.
Humans become infected accidentally, typically by ingesting raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or contaminated produce that has come into contact with infected mucus trails or feces. For example, eating unwashed leafy greens, raw vegetables, or fruits that have been contaminated by small slugs or larvae can lead to infection. Even tiny, unnoticed slugs or their slime trails can be enough to transmit the parasite.
Less commonly, other animals such as frogs, freshwater prawns, and crabs can serve as carriers if they consume infected slugs or snails and are then eaten by humans, particularly in areas where such animals are part of the local diet.
Once ingested by a human, the parasite cannot complete its lifecycle but can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, where it may cause eosinophilic meningitis—a serious condition resulting in inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Because humans are accidental hosts, they do not pass the parasite on to others, meaning the disease is not contagious. Prevention focuses on avoiding ingestion of contaminated food or water and controlling rat and slug/snail populations. Proper washing of fresh produce and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked intermediate host animals are crucial steps. Given the growing number of cases, especially in Eastern Australia, professional rodent and pest control services are vital in reducing environmental exposure to the parasite. Visit https://www.flick.com.au/blog/rising-rat-lungworm-disease-cases-highlight-critical-need-for-professional-rodent-control-in-eastern-australia/ to know more.
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