LIHUE — The risk of getting rat lungworm disease exists in Kauai, though it’s the only one of the main Hawaiian Islands that hasn’t had a confirmed case in 2018.
Oahu was added to that list Friday, after the state Department of Health confirmed a case in a toddler from Central Oahu.
DOH conducted a detailed investigation and laboratory results confirmed evidence of the rat lungworm disease parasite — Angiostrongylus cantonensis — in the child’s spinal fluid.
This is the first confirmed case of rat lungworm disease contracted on Oahu this year and the fourth confirmed case statewide in 2018, according to DOH.
In April, two cases of the disease were confirmed on Hawaii Island, with one of those infections likely happening on Maui. In January, a case was confirmed in an adolescent visiting Hawaii Island.
The Oahu discovery of the disease brings the total to four.
On Kauai, there were no confirmed rat lungworm disease cases in 2017. In 2016, there was one probable case in a resident and in 2015 there was one case confirmed in a visitor to the island, according to DOH.
While there hasn’t been a confirmed case of rat lungworm disease on the Garden Island in 2018, DOH officials say its presence isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
“It’s difficult to speculate on the probability of cases being confirmed on Kauai in the future,” said Anna Koethe, spokeswoman for DOH.
She continued: “We know that the risk of contracting rat lungworm disease exists statewide because the parasite that causes rat lungworm disease is endemic to Hawaii.”
The parasite has been found in slugs and snails across the state, including on Kauai.
“We all need to be aware of the risk and do what we can to prevent infection,” Koethe said.
The best way to help guard against the disease is to take the steps recommended by DOH, which include:
w Inspect, wash and store produce in sealed containers.
w Wash all fruits and vegetables under clean, running water.
w Control snail, slug, and rat populations around homes, gardens and farms.
w Be mindful of where children are playing.
Angiostrongyliasis, commonly known as rat lungworm disease, is caused by a parasitic roundworm and can have debilitating effects on the brain and spinal cord. In Hawaii, most people become ill by accidentally ingesting a snail or slug infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis.
Common symptoms include severe headaches and neck stiffness. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, severe pain and long-term disability.
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Jessica Else, environmental reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
