Living with Angiostrongyliasis
A foodborne infection from rat lungworm that causes a type of meningitis, found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Understanding Angiostrongyliasis
It is found mainly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. People catch it by eating infective larvae on vegetables or in raw or undercooked snails, slugs, land crabs, freshwater shrimp, frogs, or lizards. The main feature is eosinophilic meningitis, caused by worms moving from the intestines to the lungs, central nervous system, and eyes. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Vomiting and belly pain
- Double vision
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is caused by the rat lungworm, which people catch by eating infective larvae in contaminated food.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Angiostrongyliasis.
Explore research for Angiostrongyliasis
Explore actively recruiting Angiostrongyliasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Angiostrongyliasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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