B83.2: Angiostrongyliasis due to Parastrongylus cantonensis
Rat lungworms mainly occur in South-East Asia and on tropical Pacific islands. But they can also occur in Africa, the Caribbean and the southern states of the USA. Rat lungworms live as parasites in various rodents. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. The worms can also occur in snails or crabs. You can become infected by eating snails, for example, that have not been properly cooked.
The rat lungworms can cause inflammation of the cerebral membranes. You will then have a fever, bad headaches and a stiff neck. You may also feel nauseous and have to vomit. Rat lungworms can cause a painful inflammation of the eye.
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