Source: Atlanta News First
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has detected rat lungworm, a dangerous parasite, in invasive apple and mystery snails found in the state. Originally from South America and East Asia, these snails are illegal in Georgia.
Rat lungworm typically infects rats but can be transmitted to snails when they ingest the parasite’s larvae. Humans can become infected by consuming raw or undercooked snails, leading to symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, tingling sensations, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, it can cause a severe form of meningitis. However, the CDC has never documented human-to-human transmission.
This is the first time the parasite has been found in Georgia’s snails. Previously, it was only reported in rats near the Atlanta Zoo in 2019. The discovery raises concerns about the potential spread of the parasite and the risks associated with consuming invasive snail species.