Posted at 12:16 p.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Health officials warn against eating raw snails
By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer
The health department advisory comes as the agency is investigating a few recent cases of a rare form of meningitis that can be caused by a parasite found in snails and slugs.
Eating uncooked, garden-variety snails and slugs can cause a rare infection, which can lead to serious illness, state health officials said.
Vegetables should be washed before eating to protect not only against pesticide chemicals and bacteria from farm animals and implements, but also to guard against parasites such as angiostrongylus found in slugs and snails, health officials said.
Dr. Chiyome Fukino, state health director, said parasites found in slugs and snails here have been around for decades.
"By washing vegetables thoroughly you can protect potential unwanted pests in your salad and protect your family," Fukino said.
When a recipe calls for snails or slugs, the mollusks should be cooked thoroughly, since sufficient heat will kill the parasites, health officials said. They said consumption of raw snails or slugs should be avoided entirely.
