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 not cooked the right way may pass the infection on to you. The infection may cause a rare kind of meningitis. Your doctor will treat this condition by giving you drugs to control the signs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Lower fever
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
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, counters, and utensils well after handling snails, slugs, shrimp, or crabs.
- Remove snails, slugs, and rats from kitchen and garden areas.
- Select meals carefully when traveling.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Very bad headache
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or very bad headache.
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. ‚