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Brain-infecting worms, known as 'rat lungworm,' detected west of Texas for the first time
Researchers confirmed rat lungworm in 3 of 64 wild rats and 7 of 10 opossums, indicating the parasite is now endemic in southern California wildlife.
- Researchers at the San Diego Zoo announced the first confirmed detection of rat lungworm in local wildlife this month, in a parma wallaby.
- Researchers say the parasite arrived through infected animals from endemic regions and established locally via a rodent-to-gastropod lifecycle involving snails and slugs.
- From January through February 2026, researchers tested 64 dead wild rats finding three positives, while rehab programs reported ten opossums tested positive.
- The California Department of Public Health urged produce consumers and pet owners to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and avoid raw snails, while doctors and veterinarians should consider rat lungworm in neurological diagnoses.
- With detections in opossums and rats, researchers say the parasite poses a 'substantial risk to humans' and 'could be considered endemic' in southern California’s San Diego County.
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Rat lungworm found in San Diego opossums, rats and zoo animal
Rat lungworm, a parasite that can infect certain animals and humans and prove fatal, was found in wild opossums, rats and a wallaby at the San Diego Zoo, according to a new study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not previously believed to be established in California, the rat lungworm cases were identified in multiple animals primarily last year, and as early as 2023, according to the study published this month i…
·San Diego, United States
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abc10 Sacramento+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
Brain-infecting worms, known as 'rat lungworm,' detected west of Texas for the first time
Brain-eating worms known as "rat lungworm" have been found west of Texas first time on record. Here's what to know/ (CDC)
·Sacramento, United States
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Total News Sources31
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center28Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
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C 93%
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