DOH reports first rat lungworm disease case in 2020

The state Department of Health on Friday reported it has confirmed a case of rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis) contracted on Maui.

The individual is a resident of Maui and is the first person this year to test positive for angiostrongyliasis in Hawaii, the department said. In 2019, there were a total of nine reported cases.

The individual sought treatment and was hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center. However, the investigation was not able to identify an exact source of infection.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 situation, we need to also be mindful of other diseases such as rat lungworm,” said Dr. Lorrin Pang, Maui District Health Officer, “With many people starting their own home gardens for self-sustainability, we’d like to remind everyone to thoroughly inspect and rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water. For added prevention, cooking food by boiling for 3 to 5 minutes or heating to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds can kill the parasite that causes rat lungworm disease.”

Angiostrongyliasis, commonly known as rat lungworm disease, is caused by a parasitic roundworm and can have debilitating effects on an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, according to the departmetn. In Hawaii, most people become ill by accidentally ingesting a snail or slug infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis).

Symptoms vary widely between cases, and the most common ones include severe headaches and neck stiffness. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, severe pain and long-term disability.

For more information about rat lungworm disease and how to prevent its spread, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rat-lungworm-angiostrongyliasis.