A 30-year-old woman in the U.S. developed a mysterious burning sensation in her feet, later traced to parasites in her brain. The infection likely originated from her travels to Thailand, Japan, and Hawaii, though symptoms only surfaced 12 days after her return.
Initially, the pain spread from her feet to her arms and trunk, culminating in a severe headache. A hospital visit revealed only a mild rise in white blood cells. As her discomfort persisted, she returned to a different hospital, where anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety medication provided temporary relief. However, her confusion and continued symptoms led doctors to suspect a central nervous system infection.
A lumbar puncture revealed eosinophilic meningitis, commonly linked to parasites. Doctors diagnosed angiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which originates in rodents and spreads to humans through contaminated slugs, snails, and improperly cooked seafood.
How to Avoid Parasitic Infections
- Wash Produce Thoroughly – Fresh vegetables can carry microscopic larvae. Always rinse leafy greens well, especially when traveling in endemic regions.
- Avoid Undercooked Seafood – Crabs and prawns may harbor the parasite if not fully cooked.
- Be Cautious When Traveling – In Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia, extra care with food hygiene can help prevent infection.
Timely treatment saved the woman, who recovered after two weeks of medication and steroids. Her experience is a stark reminder to stay vigilant when consuming fresh produce and seafood abroad.