PORT OF SPAIN – Health authorities are urging people in Trinidad and Tobago to refrain from eating giant African snails, amid newspaper reports that the snails were being consumed and becoming a delicacy.

“The giant African snail is known to be a major reservoir host for the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which may cause meningitis—inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

It warned that human beings may become infected by ingesting raw or inadequately cooked snails, adding that “infections in children tend to be of greater severity and are often fatal”. The ministry said that the snails also can be reservoirs for bacteria such as Salmonella, which can be the cause of food poisoning and that improper handling or inadequate cooking can lead to bacterial contamination. (Jamaica-Gleaner)

Photo: Giant African snail. (CMC Photo)