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A young man who had eaten a slug in the style of a challenge eight years ago lost his fight against rat lungworm, a type of parasite. He died last Friday surrounded by family members and friends. ( Michel Van Der Vegt | pixabay )
An Australian, who had eaten a slug eight years ago as a challenge by friends, died as a result of lungworm disease in rats.
Sam Ballard, a promising rugby player, took his last breath Friday, Nov. 2 at a Sydney hospital surrounded by relatives and friends. He was 28 years old.
Eating a slug as a challenge
Ballard was only 19 when he ate the slug that will eventually cause his death. In 2010, the young man was drinking with friends in Sydney when they saw a slug crawling on the patio.
After descending the slug, Ballard complains of intense leg pain. At first, they suspected the young man of having multiple sclerosis, just like his father, but after evaluation by doctors, they discovered that he had developed lungworm disease in the rat.
From there, his situation has only worsened. He developed eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, a form of meningitis, and fell into a coma for 420 days. When the doctors revived him, he was paralyzed and needed constant care. Ballard's brain was seriously damaged.
What is lungworm disease in rats?
Lungworm disease in rats, as its name suggests, is caused by a parasite called Angiostronjilus cantonensis that often affects rats. The parasite lodges in the lungs of the infected rat, but is then excreted by the poop.
When another animal, such as a slug, is exposed to the rat's shit, it is also infected with the parasite. Humans can contract the disease by eating raw animal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rat lungworm disease is common in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Cases have also been reported in the United States.
To avoid getting infected, avoid eating snails, slugs, frogs, shrimp and shrimp raw or undercooked. Public health officials have also warned against fresh produce. They always say wash the vegetables thoroughly.
Symptoms include headache, stiffness of the neck, tingling under the skin, fever, nausea and vomiting. In most cases, the infection does not need to be treated as it goes away on its own.
However, it is best to consult a health care provider if a person suspects exposure to the disease. A blood test can be performed to check for meningitis.
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