-
FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website. -
We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.
HI: 2017 Lungworm cases
- Thread starter Emily
- Start date
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
HI: Six cases of rat lungworm confirmed on Maui
Source: http://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2017/04/six-cases-of-rat-lungworm-confirmed-on-island/
Six cases of rat lungworm confirmed on island
Three cases under investigation; public urged to wash fruits and vegetables
Apr 8, 2017
Melissa Tanji
Staff Writer
There are six confirmed cases of the rat lungworm disease from Maui, with an additional three cases on Maui currently under investigation, a state Department of Health official said Friday afternoon.
Spokeswoman Janice Okubo said that the confirmed cases involve four Maui residents and two visitors to the Valley Isle. The Maui News has learned the visitors are a man and a woman from Northern California.
In the past, Maui has only had two cases of the disease, one of which was confirmed in 2010, a health official said earlier this week. The recent cases have been reported on Maui over the past several months.
Earlier this week, health officials said there were six cases reported that were tied to Maui and a seventh involving a Maui resident who said she contracted the parasite on the Big Island.
The disease is commonly spread through contact with the invasive semi-slug, which is prevalent on the Big Island, where the vast majority of cases are reported in Hawaii...
Source: http://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2017/04/six-cases-of-rat-lungworm-confirmed-on-island/
Six cases of rat lungworm confirmed on island
Three cases under investigation; public urged to wash fruits and vegetables
Apr 8, 2017
Melissa Tanji
Staff Writer
There are six confirmed cases of the rat lungworm disease from Maui, with an additional three cases on Maui currently under investigation, a state Department of Health official said Friday afternoon.
Spokeswoman Janice Okubo said that the confirmed cases involve four Maui residents and two visitors to the Valley Isle. The Maui News has learned the visitors are a man and a woman from Northern California.
In the past, Maui has only had two cases of the disease, one of which was confirmed in 2010, a health official said earlier this week. The recent cases have been reported on Maui over the past several months.
Earlier this week, health officials said there were six cases reported that were tied to Maui and a seventh involving a Maui resident who said she contracted the parasite on the Big Island.
The disease is commonly spread through contact with the invasive semi-slug, which is prevalent on the Big Island, where the vast majority of cases are reported in Hawaii...
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom...rm-on-hawaii-island-with-four-probable-cases/ [h=2]DOH NEWS RELEASE: Hawaii Department of Health confirms two cases of rat lungworm on Hawaii Island with four probable cases[/h] Posted on Apr 19, 2017 in Latest News
Residents accidentally consumed garden slugs in homemade drink
HONOLULU ? The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed two new cases of individuals with rat lungworm illness on Hawaii Island. In addition, four related cases are considered highly probable based on clinical indications, a common discrete exposure, and symptoms consistent with the illness. All six cases are adults who were hospitalized and their illnesses reported to the department over the past weekend.
The adults became infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis at a home in Keaau on Hawaii Island a few weeks after drinking homemade kava which they had left out in uncovered buckets after preparing the drink at the home. The kava was poured into a large bowl and after consuming most of the contents, the individuals noticed a slug at the bottom of the bowl. The department?s investigation determined the source of the infections was likely the homemade kava tainted by slugs.
?The department is continuing to monitor this serious illness spread to individuals by infected slugs and snails,? said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. ?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.?
With the addition of the two illnesses confirmed today, there have been a total of 11 confirmed cases of rat lungworm infection this year in the state. Earlier this year, four Maui resident cases, two non-resident cases who were visitors to Maui, and three Hawaii Island resident cases were confirmed. The two cases confirmed today were Hawaii Island residents and of the four probable cases, three were Hawaii Island residents and one was a resident of Maui who traveled to Hawaii Island.
The Hawaii Department of Health advises everyone to carefully store, inspect and wash produce, especially leafy greens. Always store food in covered containers, wash all produce thoroughly and supervise young children playing outdoors to prevent them from putting snails or slugs into their mouths. Controlling snail, slug, and rat populations is one of the most important steps in fighting the spread of rat lungworm disease. Take precautions to control slugs, snails, and rats around properties, and especially around home gardens. Farmers as well as food handlers and processors should increase diligence in controlling slugs, snails, and rats on the farm.
The Department of Health?s Food Safety Program continues to inspect and educate food establishments statewide on safe food handling and preparation to prevent contamination and food borne illness. Food establishments statewide are reminded to use only approved and licensed sources and carefully inspect and wash all produce during food preparation.
The most common symptoms of angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm include severe headache and neck stiffness, but symptoms may vary widely among cases. Seek medical attention for headache, fever, stiff neck, tingling or painful feelings in the skin or extremities. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, pain and severe disability. Healthcare providers should monitor and support patients? symptoms, and report any persons they suspect may be infected. More information on the signs and symptoms of rat lungworm infection are at: http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2015/07/angio-fact-sheet-20150716.pdf
# # #
Media Contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Office
Phone: (808) 586-4445
E-mail: janice.okubo@doh.hawaii.gov
Residents accidentally consumed garden slugs in homemade drink
HONOLULU ? The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed two new cases of individuals with rat lungworm illness on Hawaii Island. In addition, four related cases are considered highly probable based on clinical indications, a common discrete exposure, and symptoms consistent with the illness. All six cases are adults who were hospitalized and their illnesses reported to the department over the past weekend.
The adults became infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis at a home in Keaau on Hawaii Island a few weeks after drinking homemade kava which they had left out in uncovered buckets after preparing the drink at the home. The kava was poured into a large bowl and after consuming most of the contents, the individuals noticed a slug at the bottom of the bowl. The department?s investigation determined the source of the infections was likely the homemade kava tainted by slugs.
?The department is continuing to monitor this serious illness spread to individuals by infected slugs and snails,? said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. ?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.?
With the addition of the two illnesses confirmed today, there have been a total of 11 confirmed cases of rat lungworm infection this year in the state. Earlier this year, four Maui resident cases, two non-resident cases who were visitors to Maui, and three Hawaii Island resident cases were confirmed. The two cases confirmed today were Hawaii Island residents and of the four probable cases, three were Hawaii Island residents and one was a resident of Maui who traveled to Hawaii Island.
The Hawaii Department of Health advises everyone to carefully store, inspect and wash produce, especially leafy greens. Always store food in covered containers, wash all produce thoroughly and supervise young children playing outdoors to prevent them from putting snails or slugs into their mouths. Controlling snail, slug, and rat populations is one of the most important steps in fighting the spread of rat lungworm disease. Take precautions to control slugs, snails, and rats around properties, and especially around home gardens. Farmers as well as food handlers and processors should increase diligence in controlling slugs, snails, and rats on the farm.
The Department of Health?s Food Safety Program continues to inspect and educate food establishments statewide on safe food handling and preparation to prevent contamination and food borne illness. Food establishments statewide are reminded to use only approved and licensed sources and carefully inspect and wash all produce during food preparation.
The most common symptoms of angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm include severe headache and neck stiffness, but symptoms may vary widely among cases. Seek medical attention for headache, fever, stiff neck, tingling or painful feelings in the skin or extremities. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, pain and severe disability. Healthcare providers should monitor and support patients? symptoms, and report any persons they suspect may be infected. More information on the signs and symptoms of rat lungworm infection are at: http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2015/07/angio-fact-sheet-20150716.pdf
# # #
Media Contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Office
Phone: (808) 586-4445
E-mail: janice.okubo@doh.hawaii.gov
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/...ungworm-disease-cases-emerge-for-total-of-13/
2 more rat lungworm disease cases emerge for total of 13
Associated Press
April 29, 2017
Updated April 29, 2017 12:39pm
HILO >> Two more cases of rat lungworm disease have been confirmed in the state, bringing the total up to 13, Hawaii health officials said.
The patients in two new cases are from the Big Island and are separate from kava elixir-related cases reported earlier this week, said State Health department officials, who made the announcement Friday...
2 more rat lungworm disease cases emerge for total of 13
Associated Press
April 29, 2017
Updated April 29, 2017 12:39pm
HILO >> Two more cases of rat lungworm disease have been confirmed in the state, bringing the total up to 13, Hawaii health officials said.
The patients in two new cases are from the Big Island and are separate from kava elixir-related cases reported earlier this week, said State Health department officials, who made the announcement Friday...
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/state/mumps-rat-lungworm-cases-increase-hawaii
Mumps, rat lungworm cases increase in Hawaii
Published May 6, 2017 - 12:05am
HONOLULU (AP) ? The state Department of Health confirmed four more people in Hawaii have mumps, which brings this year?s total to 20.
In addition, one more person in the state was confirmed to have rat lungworm, which brings the disease total to 14 people...
...As for rat lungworm, the new case is an adult who drank kava and previously was reported as a highly probable case in April.
Mumps, rat lungworm cases increase in Hawaii
Published May 6, 2017 - 12:05am
HONOLULU (AP) ? The state Department of Health confirmed four more people in Hawaii have mumps, which brings this year?s total to 20.
In addition, one more person in the state was confirmed to have rat lungworm, which brings the disease total to 14 people...
...As for rat lungworm, the new case is an adult who drank kava and previously was reported as a highly probable case in April.
Emily
Editor, Senior Moderator
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.kitv.com/story/36102468/...1st-oahu-case-of-rat-lungworm-disease-in-2017
Health officials confirm 1st Oahu case of rat lungworm disease in 2017
Posted: Aug 09, 2017 8:02 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 09, 2017 8:02 PM EDT
HONOLULU -
The state Department of Health has confirmed its first rat lungworm disease case on Oahu in 2017. This brings the total cases statewide to 16 this year.
The Oahu resident began experiencing symptoms consistent with rat lungworm back in July. DOH staff conducted property assessments for slug, snail and rat activity in East Oahu. There were no evidence of slugs or semi-slugs nearby.
The last report of rat lungworm on Oahu was in 2010...
Health officials confirm 1st Oahu case of rat lungworm disease in 2017
Posted: Aug 09, 2017 8:02 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 09, 2017 8:02 PM EDT
HONOLULU -
The state Department of Health has confirmed its first rat lungworm disease case on Oahu in 2017. This brings the total cases statewide to 16 this year.
The Oahu resident began experiencing symptoms consistent with rat lungworm back in July. DOH staff conducted property assessments for slug, snail and rat activity in East Oahu. There were no evidence of slugs or semi-slugs nearby.
The last report of rat lungworm on Oahu was in 2010...
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
[FONT="]
[FONT="]DOH CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE ON OAHU IN 2017[/FONT]
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
D A V I D Y . I G E
G O V E R N O R
V I R G I N I A P R E S S L E R , M . D .
D I R E C T O R
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2017 17-069
Hawaii Department of Health confirms first case of
rat lungworm disease on Oahu in 2017
HONOLULU ? The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed one new case of rat
lungworm disease in an Oahu resident. This is the first case of rat lungworm disease contracted
on Oahu in 2017, bringing the statewide total of confirmed cases to 16 for this year. The adult
case is currently hospitalized and the department confirmed their illness late on Tuesday
afternoon.
The Oahu resident began experiencing symptoms consistent with rat lungworm disease in July.
DOH staff from the Vector Control Program and Disease Investigation Branch started
conducting onsite property assessments this morning in East Oahu. Vector Control staff
surveyed for slug, snail and rat activity. Current findings do not show evidence of slugs or semislugs
nearby. The source of the individual?s infection is still unknown at this time, but DOH will
continue investigations based on the information gathered today. The last reported case of rat
lungworm disease on Oahu was in 2010.
?This is a serious disease that can be acquired on any of our islands because slugs and snails
throughout the state carry the parasite responsible for the illness,? said Keith Kawaoka, deputy
director of Environmental Health. ?This is a grim reminder that we all need to take precautions
when working in our gardens and on farms, and eliminate slugs, snails and rats from our
communities to reduce the risks posed by this parasitic disease.?
DOH recently announced plans to ramp up efforts to prevent rat lungworm disease statewide.
This includes efforts to increase public outreach and education throughout the state?a top
initiative identified by the Governor?s Rat Lungworm Disease Joint Task Force, which was
convened in 2016. The Joint Task Force is comprised of local experts in medical, scientific,
environmental, and public health fields from across the state.
The public is urged to take the following precautions to prevent rat lungworm disease:
? Carefully inspect, wash and store produce in sealed containers, regardless of whether it
came from a local retailer, farmer?s market, or backyard garden.
? All fruits and vegetables should be washed and rubbed under running water, especially
leafy greens, in order to remove any tiny slugs or snails.
? Controlling snail, slug, and rat populations is one of the most important steps in fighting
the spread of rat lungworm disease. Eliminate slugs, snails, and rats around properties,
and especially around home gardens.
? Farmers as well as food handlers and processors should increase diligence in controlling
slugs, snails, and rats on the farm.
Rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis) is contracted when a person becomes infected with
the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This often happens when a person accidentally
consumes raw or undercooked infected slugs, snails, freshwater shrimp, land crabs or frogs.
The most common symptoms include severe headaches and neck stiffness, but symptoms may
vary widely among cases. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, pain and
severe disability.
More information about the signs and symptoms of rat lungworm disease may be found at
http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rat-lungworm-angiostrongyliasis/ and
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2017/01/RLD-rackcard-version1_06152017.pdf. The first of a
series of public service announcements about rat lungworm disease prevention is posted on the
Hawaii Department of Agriculture?s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/rat-lungworminformation/.
# # #
August 9, 2017
[/FONT][FONT="]DOH CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE ON OAHU IN 2017[/FONT]
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
D A V I D Y . I G E
G O V E R N O R
V I R G I N I A P R E S S L E R , M . D .
D I R E C T O R
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2017 17-069
Hawaii Department of Health confirms first case of
rat lungworm disease on Oahu in 2017
HONOLULU ? The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed one new case of rat
lungworm disease in an Oahu resident. This is the first case of rat lungworm disease contracted
on Oahu in 2017, bringing the statewide total of confirmed cases to 16 for this year. The adult
case is currently hospitalized and the department confirmed their illness late on Tuesday
afternoon.
The Oahu resident began experiencing symptoms consistent with rat lungworm disease in July.
DOH staff from the Vector Control Program and Disease Investigation Branch started
conducting onsite property assessments this morning in East Oahu. Vector Control staff
surveyed for slug, snail and rat activity. Current findings do not show evidence of slugs or semislugs
nearby. The source of the individual?s infection is still unknown at this time, but DOH will
continue investigations based on the information gathered today. The last reported case of rat
lungworm disease on Oahu was in 2010.
?This is a serious disease that can be acquired on any of our islands because slugs and snails
throughout the state carry the parasite responsible for the illness,? said Keith Kawaoka, deputy
director of Environmental Health. ?This is a grim reminder that we all need to take precautions
when working in our gardens and on farms, and eliminate slugs, snails and rats from our
communities to reduce the risks posed by this parasitic disease.?
DOH recently announced plans to ramp up efforts to prevent rat lungworm disease statewide.
This includes efforts to increase public outreach and education throughout the state?a top
initiative identified by the Governor?s Rat Lungworm Disease Joint Task Force, which was
convened in 2016. The Joint Task Force is comprised of local experts in medical, scientific,
environmental, and public health fields from across the state.
The public is urged to take the following precautions to prevent rat lungworm disease:
? Carefully inspect, wash and store produce in sealed containers, regardless of whether it
came from a local retailer, farmer?s market, or backyard garden.
? All fruits and vegetables should be washed and rubbed under running water, especially
leafy greens, in order to remove any tiny slugs or snails.
? Controlling snail, slug, and rat populations is one of the most important steps in fighting
the spread of rat lungworm disease. Eliminate slugs, snails, and rats around properties,
and especially around home gardens.
? Farmers as well as food handlers and processors should increase diligence in controlling
slugs, snails, and rats on the farm.
Rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis) is contracted when a person becomes infected with
the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This often happens when a person accidentally
consumes raw or undercooked infected slugs, snails, freshwater shrimp, land crabs or frogs.
The most common symptoms include severe headaches and neck stiffness, but symptoms may
vary widely among cases. The most serious cases experience neurological problems, pain and
severe disability.
More information about the signs and symptoms of rat lungworm disease may be found at
http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rat-lungworm-angiostrongyliasis/ and
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2017/01/RLD-rackcard-version1_06152017.pdf. The first of a
series of public service announcements about rat lungworm disease prevention is posted on the
Hawaii Department of Agriculture?s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/rat-lungworminformation/.
# # #
Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.kitv.com/story/36471566/big-island-baby-marks-17th-rat-lungworm-case
Big Island baby marks 17th rat lungworm case
Posted: Sep 28, 2017 12:31 AM EDT
Updated: Sep 28, 2017 12:31 AM EDT
By Catherine Cruz
Little Kane Tauanuu is on the road to recovery at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children after several scary weeks.
It's a parent?s worst nightmare--watching your child go limp and not knowing why.
It took several trips to the ER and the pediatricians office before the 11 month old boy was diagnosed it was a case of rat lungworm and he would have to be medevaced to Honolulu.
"It was 4 in the morning and I was really tired. I burst into tears because I didn't know if my baby was going to make it or not, and knowing he was sick for a week prior to, I didn't know how it had affected him," said Santini Tauanuu...
Big Island baby marks 17th rat lungworm case
Posted: Sep 28, 2017 12:31 AM EDT
Updated: Sep 28, 2017 12:31 AM EDT
By Catherine Cruz
Little Kane Tauanuu is on the road to recovery at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children after several scary weeks.
It's a parent?s worst nightmare--watching your child go limp and not knowing why.
It took several trips to the ER and the pediatricians office before the 11 month old boy was diagnosed it was a case of rat lungworm and he would have to be medevaced to Honolulu.
"It was 4 in the morning and I was really tired. I burst into tears because I didn't know if my baby was going to make it or not, and knowing he was sick for a week prior to, I didn't know how it had affected him," said Santini Tauanuu...