Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Angiostrongyliasis


About this topic


Angiostrongyliasis is an infection that is caused by a worm. Rats carry the adult form of the worm. The rats pass the worm eggs in their stools. Snails, slugs, crabs, and shrimp can become infected by eating the eggs. Eating these foods when they are raw or undercooked may pass the infection on to you. The infection may cause a rare kind of brain infection. ‚  

What are the causes?


This infection is caused by a worm called Angiostrongylus cantonensis. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Very bad headache that does not go away
  • Stiff neck
  • Fatigue
  • Body pain
  • Eye discomfort when exposed to bright lights
  • Tingling or abnormal feelings in the arms and legs
  • Low-grade fever
  • Problem with eyesight

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor will ask about your signs and may order tests like: ‚  
  • Blood tests
  • Spinal tap ¢ ˆ ’ A sample of the fluid around your spine. The doctor will look at it under a microscope.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will treat this condition by giving you drugs to control the signs. If you are having problems with your eyesight, you may need surgery. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Lower fever

Will there be any other care needed?


Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚  

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, shrimp, or crabs.
  • Wear gloves when handling snails, slugs, shrimp, or crabs.
  • Wash hands and utensils well after handling snails, slugs, shrimp, or crabs.
  • Remove snails, slugs, and rats from kitchen and garden areas.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/angiostrongylus/gen_info/faqs.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer