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HONOLULU, HI (KITV) — The Hawaii Department of Heath has confirmed the state’s fifth rat lungworm case in a toddler from east Hawaii. Lab results showed the disease in the child’s spinal fluid.
This is the third confirmed case of rat lungworm disease contracted on the Big Island this year, and the fifth statewide.
The child who contracted the disease became sick in late July, and was seen in an emergency room last week. Disease investigators are looking into the possible sources of infection.
“Our children move quickly and are naturally curious about the world around them, which is a normal part of their early development,” said Aaron Ueno, Hawai‘i Island District Health Officer. “We can reduce the risk of rat lungworm disease by controlling slugs and snails around our homes and gardens, and by keeping children away from these harmful vectors as much as possible. The risk of rat lungworm disease exists statewide, and we can work together to take steps to prevent it in our communities.”
DOH recommends these preventative action steps:
Control snail, slug, and rat populations around homes, gardens and farms. Get rid of these vectors safely by clearing debris where they might live, and also using traps and baits. Always wear gloves for safety when working outdoors.
Inspect, wash and store produce in sealed containers, regardless of whether it came from a local retailer, farmer’s market, or backyard garden.
Wash all fruits and vegetables under clean, running water to remove any tiny slugs or snails. Pay close attention to leafy greens.
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