State health officials have confirmed a case of rat lungworm disease in a Kauai resident.

Neuroangiostrongyliasis, commonly known as rat lungworm disease, is caused by a parasitic roundworm and can have debilitating effects on a person’s brain and spinal cord.

In Hawaii, most people become ill by accidentally ingesting a snail or slug infected with the parasite, and the most serious cases can experience neurological problems, severe pain and long-term disability.

From 2014 to now, there have been 102 cases of rat lungworm disease statewide with more than three-fourths of those in Hawaii County, 13 in Maui County, seven in Honolulu County and four in Kauai County including the newest confirmed infection.

Hawaii residents make up 84% of the total cases, and 73% of those with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis had to be hospitalized. The last case on Kauai was in 2019. The infected resident had not recently traveled off the island.

The resident experienced symptoms including headaches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness and aversion to bright light prior to seeking medical care.

“Thoroughly inspecting and washing all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water is the most effective way to reduce the risk of rat lungworm disease,” Dr. Sarah Kemble, state epidemiologist, said in a news release. “Small slugs and snails on produce can be difficult to see. Cooking food thoroughly also kills the parasite that causes rat lungworm disease.”

In addition to washing fruits and vegetables, people are advised to pay close attention to leafy greens whether they come from a local retailer, farmers market or backyard garden.

Residents can also work to control the snail, slug and rat populations around their homes, gardens and farms by clearing debris where they might live and considering traps and baits.

The state also says residents should maintain their water-catchment systems and replace filters regularly. Tanks also should be covered to help prevent slugs from getting into the water.

Early diagnosis helps target treatment and reduce the long-term effects associated with the disease.

For more about rat lungworm disease and how to prevent its spread, go to tinyurl.com/2ht62kre.