A Cautionary Tale of Consuming Slug and the Neurological Consequences of Rat Lungworm Infections

Across various tribes and cultures, the consumption of snails has been a long-standing tradition, even evolving into a delicacy. However, the notion of eating these mollusks raw introduces a perplexing concern. The situation becomes even more bewildering when considering the consumption of raw slugs. This prompts a contemplation of why some individuals choose to partake in such practices. It's important to emphasize that this discussion is not intended to criticize any particular culture or tribe's dietary choices; rather, the focus lies on the potential health implications, especially when mollusks are consumed in their uncooked form.

Venturing into the culinary unknown can yield detrimental consequences, particularly when it comes to certain mollusks. Ingesting these creatures raw poses health risks that should not be underestimated. Let's delve into the intricacies of consuming mollusks, the introduction of unwanted guests into our bodies, and the repercussions of hosting these unfamiliar visitors.

There are numerous headlines on the effect of eating slugs on different newspapers but then while these news talk about eating the slug, followed by paralysis in their legs, hand and soon coma, and in extreme cases death, isn't just as a result of a lone actor but rather because it comes with company known as rat lungworm.

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Examining one of events that occurred where a person swallowed a slug as a result of a dare, which led to hospitalization, complete paralysis from the neck down, and meningitis in the brain and central nervous system of the patient. This condition was caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis or rat lungworm. As the name implies, this parasite matures in the lungs of rats and uses snails and slugs as intermediary hosts after which rates eat them again before they mature.

This parasite isn't naturally one that infects humans but it can happen accidentally, and in rare cases lead to Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis which can lead to the permanent damage of the brain, the nerves, and also lead to death. Well, there is a possibility of surviving, but this is a 1 in 17 million chance, which is almost like very impossible. The parasite while not contagious can be spread to people by having the larva in food and consumed.

People who have survived eating slugs and getting the rat lungworm into the body would have lost about 100 pounds in weight, and would even have amnesia or not being able to perform activities like in the past. Before we begin to crucify slugs, these parasites can be found in other living animals as well such as the giant African snail, centipedes, crabs, crayfishes, shrimps, and frogs. These animals can infect humans if eaten without properly cooking. Also, it can be found in vegetables that have housed these animals that have this parasite. This can also be transmitted if the vegetable isn't washed properly and eaten raw. Sushi is safe as fish do not carry the rat lungworm, also properly cooking food kills the parasite.

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Personally, I eat snails but I will never try Escargot. I will cook them very well, and personally, I find it very difficult to eat snails cooked outside even though they are a very expensive delicacy in Nigeria. I have read about numerous cases of people suffering from meningitis after eating Giant African Snails or even touching them, so I am very careful that actually, I ate snails a long time ago.

People who suffer from Meningitis as a result of Angiostrongylus cantonensis would experience symptoms such as photophobia, headache, neck stiffness, teeth sensitivity, pain, facial paralysis, tingling, muscle fatigue, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients can suffer from paralysis, vertigo, blindness, and coma. Treatments differ depending on the case, the symptoms, and the patient.

Reference

https://www.livescience.com
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https://health.hawaii.gov