The Hawaii State Department of Health announced Wednesday that two Hawaii Island residents have been diagnosed with rat lungworm infections, bringing the number of confirmed cases across the state up to 11 in 2017.
That number is likely to jump to 15 in coming days, as the DOH indicated in its press release there is a high probability another four individuals — three of whom are also Hawaii Island residents — were infected by the same source of contamination.
That source was a slug found in the bottom of a bowl of homemade kava consumed at a residence in Keaau by the six individuals, all of whom were hospitalized over the weekend. The disease originates with rats but can be picked up by slugs and snails that come into contact with rat feces.
Carriers of rat lungworm can contaminate food products, which if not cleaned and cooked properly, may lead to human infection.
“The department is continuing to monitor this serious illness spread to individuals by infected slugs and snails,” Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler said in the release. “Cases like this recent cluster are especially concerning because they can be prevented with basic precautions such as storing food in covered containers and properly inspecting and washing food before eating. These healthy habits can protect against food contamination and prevent serious illnesses.”
The infection has been most prevalent on Maui and Hawaii Island. Six of the 11 confirmed cases this year originated on Maui, while the other five originated on Hawaii Island. The four suspected cases are also tied to a contamination source on Hawaii Island.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been meeting with its members and contractors who book travel to Hawaii to explain the disease and is working on putting together direct messages for visitors, said George Szigeti, president and CEO of the group.
He said there’s no need for visitors to Hawaii to change their plans and “from the standpoint of Hawaii’s tourism industry it is important that people do not overreact or assume that the situation is worse than it is.”
According to the release, foods that pose the greatest threat are produce, particularly leafy greens. DOH advises people to thoroughly wash any produce before consumption and to store leftovers in covered containers. Common symptoms of rat lungworm include severe headache and neck stiffness but can vary more widely.