SYMPTOMS – DIAGNOSIS – TREATMENT

Be alert to symptoms. Symptoms include hypersensitive skin, severe headache, paresthesia (a burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body), and pain that moves from one area of the body to another. The vague initial symptoms mimic other diseases, like lepto­ spirosis and typhus: these must be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics quickly. If these or flu-like symptoms appear, see your doctor immediately.

Symptoms are caused when the parasitic worms move into the brain, or when the worms die in the brain and then are attacked by the body’s immune system, causing an inflam­matory reaction. The severity and duration of the symptoms depends largely on the load of parasites consumed. The disease can be relatively mild and resolve with minimal in­tervention in a few weeks, or it can be a severely debilitating, chronic illness with neurological symptoms persisting for months or years after initial infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Currently, a lumbar puncture (LP – aka spinal tap) is the only confirmed method of diagnosis according to the Depart­ment of Health. Lumbar punctures are safe, nearly painless, and can also help relieve the severe headache symptom­atic of the disease. If you believe you may have the disease, having an LP done is highly recommended for a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

TREATMENT

Steroids like prednisone counter the inflammation from meningitis. Pain medications may be administered. Some patients have found acupuncture helpful. Many patients report that once past the initial infection stage, physical activity is helpful at relieving symptoms. Good nutrition is important, including vitamin and mineral supplements.

If you believe you may have accidentally consumed a slug or snail, but are not yet experiencing symptoms, your doctor may prescribe anti-parasitic medications to help prevent the infection. In East Maui, contact Hana Health.

Learn the most recent treatment protocols and download the printable Preliminary Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Neuroangiostrongyliasis (Rat Lungworm Disease) in Hawai’i.

To get in touch with a network devoted to supporting those who are affected by Rat Lungworm disease
go to the www.RatLungworm.net Support Groups page.