The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a case of rat lungworm disease in an individual on the island of Kauai.

Rat lungworm disease, a parasitic disease also known as neuroangiostrongyliasis, is known to be endemic on all islands in Hawaii. The diagnosed individual had no history of travel to other islands, outside the state or country, officials said.

The individual sought medical care after experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness and aversion to bright light. The Hawaii State Laboratories Division confirmed the diagnosis of rat lungworm, using newly available sensitive testing.

Health officials, however, have not been able to identify the exact source of infection for this individual.

Rat lungworm disease , caused by a roundworm parasite call

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