When people get infected with a parasitic worm called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, they can experience different health problems. Some of these problems include:

Eosinophilic Meningitis: This is when the protective layer around the brain gets inflamed. It can cause symptoms like a bad headache, neck stiffness, and sometimes visual problems.

Encephalitis: This is a more serious condition where the brain itself becomes inflamed. It can lead to confusion, coma, and other severe symptoms. Encephalitis can be very dangerous and even deadly.

These diseases can affect people differently, and we're not entirely sure why. Some factors like age, overall health, how many parasite larvae you've been exposed to, and the specific type of parasite might play a role in how sick you get.

People can get infected in various ways. In some places, eating raw snails, prawns, lizards, or insects can put you at risk. Traditional medicines might also recommend consuming these animals. Sometimes, people accidentally swallow snails or slugs, or they eat contaminated food or drink.

Once the parasites enter your body, they can travel through different parts of your body before reaching your brain. Along the way, they can cause symptoms like stomach problems, coughing, and a sore throat.

Eosinophilic Meningitis:

If you develop eosinophilic meningitis, you might experience symptoms like a severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and visual problems. In children, it can be a bit different, with symptoms like nausea, fever, and sleepiness.

The good news is that most people with this type of meningitis get better on their own, even without treatment.

Encephalitis:

Encephalitis is more severe. It can cause confusion, coma, and other serious problems. It develops quickly, especially if you've been exposed to a lot of parasites. Sadly, the outlook for encephalitis isn't very good, and it can lead to death or permanent disability.

Children and older adults are more at risk of getting very sick from this infection. Also, people with mental health conditions might be more likely to eat infected animals accidentally.

So, it's important to be careful about what you eat and drink, especially if you're in a place where this parasite is a concern. If you or someone you know shows these symptoms after eating unusual foods or being in a risky place, it's essential to get medical help quickly.