Kauai Reports First rat Lungworm case โinโข Six Years
KAUAI, โHI โ- Health officials confirmed aโ new case of rat lungworm disease on Kauai Monday, marking the island’s first reported infection since โ2019. The Hawaii Department of Health announced the diagnosis, reminding โresidents of the ongoing risk of this parasitic disease statewide.
Rat lungworm disease, formally knownโข as neuroangiostrongyliasis, is endemic too all Hawaiian Islands. Infection typically occurs when individuals accidentallyโ ingest raw or undercooked snails orโ slugs โcarrying the Angiostrongylus cantonensis parasite, which can then affect โฃthe brain and spinal cord.
The adult patient, a Kauai resident with no recent off-island travel, experienced symptoms including headache, nausea,โค vomiting, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. While the โdiagnosis has beenโ confirmed,โค theโ exact source of the infection remains unidentified.
“Thoroughly inspecting and โคwashing โคall โfresh โfruits โandโ vegetables under clean, runningโ water is the most effective way to reduce the risk of rat lungworm disease,” stated State Epidemiologistโ Dr. Sarah Kemble. “Small slugs and snails on produce can be tough to see. Cooking food thoroughly โฃalso killsโข the parasite that causes rat lungworm disease.”
Between 2014 โandโค 2025, Hawaii has recorded a total of โฃ102 confirmed cases ofโข rat lungworm disease, with the majority occurring on Hawaii Islandโ (78 cases). Other cases were reported in Maui County (13), Oahu (7), and previously on Kauai (3). Approximately 75% of confirmed cases haveโฃ required hospitalization, and 84% of those infected have been Hawaiiโฃ residents.
Anyone experiencing โheadaches, neck โฃstiffness, or neurological symptoms is urged โฃto contact their physician.
Residents are also advised to control pests around homes,gardens,and farms,replace water filters,and ensure water tanks are properly sealed as preventative measures.
(Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights โขreserved.)