Every time after a pouring rain, you might find these giant snails crawling across the roads or lying inside the green areas of your community.

These snails are so large that they may reach lengths of about 30cm (8 inches). Some people have started considering if they could cook these snails into delicious dishes or feed them as pets.

But the answer is No!

Commonly known as ‘Giant African Land Snail’, this sort of snail is one of the most invasive species and one of the most damaging for agriculture and crops as it is known to eat at least 500 different species of plants.

Most importantly, these exotic snails are carriers of the aparasite, Angiostrongylus Cantonensis. This parasite can spread diseases such as meningoencephalitis and meningitis.

[PhotoNanfang Daily]

What is angiostrongylus cantonensis?

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic nematode (roundworm) that causes angiostrongyliasis. It commonly resides in rats. Snails are the primary intermediate hosts, where larvae develop until they are infectious.

Humans are incidental hosts of this roundworm, and may become infected through ingestion of larvae in raw or undercooked snails, other vectors, or from contaminated water and vegetables.

The research shows infected snails have the larvae in their bodies, excrement and snail slime.

People might be infected because...

1)You ate infected raw or undercooked snail meat;

2)You touched an infected snail or its mucus and then transfer the larvae your open wounds or mucus membranes such as those in the eyes, nose, and mouth;

3)You had salad, fruit or water contaminated by the infected snail.

Once people are infected, the larvae are then transported via the blood to the central nervous system, where they are the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis, a serious condition that can lead to death or permanent brain and nerve damage (eg. blindness).

Although the angiostrongylus is horrible, it’s preventable if we take these measures:

1)Do not eat raw snail meat;

2)Do not touch the snail and its mucus especially if you have open wounds;

3)Clean your hands if you touched the snail;

4)Do not let these snails get close to your food.

The study also indicates that risks still exist even though the snail is fully cooked. People with weak immune system might be allergic to the snail’s mucus as it contains various bacteria. So, it suggests people especially children avoid touching these snails or feeding them as pet.

How to get rid of this snail?

If you discover a large number of these giant African land snails in your residential community, please call the community’s management team or professional pest control companies.

If you find a small quantity of snails at home, you can kill them with a small amount of salt because their flesh will melt after being salted.

Apart from the angiostrongylus cantonensis, you also need to pay attention to these common parasites that can be found in foods:

How to avoid parasites:

1.Cut your fingernails regularly

2.Be aware when eating raw beef fish and seafood

3.Separate the cutting boards and knives for raw food and cooked food

4.Have regular parasite tests on your pets

5.If you develop suspected symptoms, please go to the hospital and get immediate treatment

 

Author| Jasmine

Editor| Keane, Steven, Jerry

Graph| Mia