HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state has confirmed a new case of rat lungworm disease on Kauai, marking the island’s first case in six years.

The state Department of Health announced the new case Monday.

Rat lungworm disease is known to be endemic in all islands , and most people in Hawaii become infected by accidentally eating raw or undercooked snails or slugs, officials said.

The animals may carry a parasitic roundworm known as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which can attack the brain and spinal cord.

The adult patient reported no recent travel outside of Kauai, and reported symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light, officials said.

The state confirmed the diagnosis but was not able to identify an exact source of infection.

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