American researchers found that the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis has spread to five counties in Florida. Scientists believe that the expansion of the parasite's habitat is associated with global warming and in the future more people will become victims of angiostrongylosis - brain damage by helminths. This is reported by the Gizmodo edition.
A person becomes infected with A. cantonensis when they consume raw meat from molluscs, crustaceans, or frogs. Once in the brain, the worm causes meningoencephalitis, leading to disruption of the central nervous system, and in severe cases, death. The larvae usually die, but areas of necrosis of the brain tissue form around them. Symptoms include headaches, fever, vomiting, nausea, and paralysis of the facial muscles and limbs.
In 2017, doctors confirmed 16 human cases of helminths in Hawaii, although prior to the epidemic there were only two cases of angiostrongylosis in the region in the past 20 years. A.cantonensis has also been found in the states of California, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.
During the life cycle, the larvae of the pulmonary worm fall into intermediate hosts - snails, which are eaten by rats. In the body of rodents, the helminth continues to develop.