A woman developed a mysterious burning sensation in her legs after returning from a vacation, and doctors later discovered that a parasite was the culprit. The 30-year-old likely contracted the parasite while traveling in Hawaii, according to a case report published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Symptoms began with a strange burning sensation in her feet, which spread up her legs as the pain intensified. She also experienced fatigue and headaches, but these were initially attributed to jet lag. After two emergency department visits, she developed confusion, and further testing revealed an elevated level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight parasites.
A lumbar puncture revealed high levels of eosinophils consistent with a condition known as eosinophilic meningitis, caused by the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis). The parasite is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Hawaii. To prevent infection, experts recommend avoiding raw or undercooked snails, slugs, frogs, shrimp, or prawns, wearing gloves when handling snails or slugs, and thoroughly washing fresh produce.
In the woman’s case, a 14-day course of antiparasitic medication was administered, along with a steroid drug to reduce inflammation. She was discharged from hospital after six days.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/parasite-lurking-in-womans-brain-caused-mysterious-burning-leg-sensation