A woman experienced a negative medical reaction after consuming crayfish that were infested with worms. According to a report in JAMA Neurology, the 60-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a high fever and communication difficulties following the consumption of contaminated crayfish. Despite initially being diagnosed with purulent meningitis and receiving treatment, her symptoms did not improve.
Further testing, including MRI scans and blood tests, revealed white matter lesions in her brain and elevated levels of eosinophils, suggesting a parasitic infection caused by angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as rat lungworm. The woman’s condition was successfully treated with albendazole, leading to improvement in her symptoms and overall health.
Consuming undercooked intermediate hosts, such as crayfish, can lead to infections like rat lungworm, which can cause serious health issues. It is important to be cautious about food safety and thoroughly cook seafood to avoid such risks.
