Unwashed Produce Likely Cause Of 7th Rat Lungworm Case Of 2019
A tourist visiting West Hawaii likely contracted the angiostrongyliasis disease by eating unwashed fresh produce and was the seventh person to be infected this year.
A seventh person has contracted rat lungworm disease in Hawaii this year, the national Centers of Disease Control and Prevention confirms.
The adult fell ill in June while traveling on the west side of the Big Island and did not seek medical care until a month later after feeling symptoms of dizziness. The U.S. mainland hospital was unable to identify the source of infection, and this CDC laboratory confirmation comes nearly four months later.
The patient reported eating unwashed produce and herbs without washing them first, according to the Hawaii Department of Health.

Also known as angiostrongyliasis, rat lungworm disease has most often affected people in Hawaii who accidentally consumed small snails or slugs already infected with the parasitic roundworm. They can be hard to see, and any fresh fruits or vegetables should be thoroughly rinsed and inspected, according to Sarah Park, Hawaii state epidemiologist.
“When in doubt, 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,” she said.
This visitor was the fourth tourist to be diagnosed with rat lungworm by the CDC this year. Three other Hawaii residents were confirmed to have the disease this year.
Symptoms have varied, but most have included severe headaches and stiffness in the neck. Patients may experience debilitating effects on their brain and spinal cord, which can cause neurological problems, severe pain and long-term disability.
GET IN-DEPTH
REPORTING ON HAWAII’S BIGGEST ISSUES
Trusted news when you need it most
Now more than ever, local news is a vital community resource: connecting neighbors, uplifting voices and sharing information that empowers people to make informed decisions in their everyday lives. Our work is especially critical in times of crises.
You can help power our coverage and nonprofit mission with a tax-deductible donation of any amount. Mahalo.
About the Author
-
Eleni Avendaño, who covers public health issues, is a corps member with Report for America , a national nonprofit organization that places journalists in local newsrooms. Her health care coverage is also supported by the McInerny Foundation, the Atherton Family Foundation , the George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation , and Papa Ola Lokahi . You can reach her by email at egill@civilbeat.org or follow her on Twitter at @lorineleni.