2006 Outbreak of Lung Fluke, California

In Orange County, California, two people were hospitalized with a parasitic lung fluke, or worm. This lung fluke is present in crab harvested in Asia and South America. A food history questionnaire revealed both had consumed live Sawagani, or Regal crabs, and this was determined to be the source of the infection. The crabs were imported and sold to 16 California restaurants. A warning was issued by the California Department of Health Services, educating people to not consume imported raw crab or crayfish. Symptoms of a lung fluke infection can include: abdominal pain, diarrrhea, skin rash, cough, discolored sputum. Flukes that migrate from the lungs can invade the brain, spinal cord, heart, and abdomen. If the fluke invades the heart, it can kill.

Overview

Outbreak began:August 2006
Affected country:US
States/territories:CA
Pathogen:Lung Fluke
Vehicle(s):Crab
Location(s):Restaurant
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:18
Number hospitalized:2

Sources & documents

Report / reference links