Rat Lungworm Disease Confirmed on Kauai
The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a case of rat lungworm disease in an adult on the island of Kauai.
Rat lungworm disease, also known as neuroangiostrongyliasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the roundworm parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. It is known to be endemic on all islands in Hawaii.
- Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and aversion to bright light.
- The disease affects the brain and spinal cord and can result in long-term disability.
The diagnosed individual had no history of travel to other islands, outside the state or country.
The Hawaii State Laboratories Division confirmed the diagnosis using newly available sensitive testing.
Author's summary: Rat lungworm disease case confirmed on Kauai island.