Dont Eat Crayfish Raw

Who can account for taste? Some people find the taste of crayfish to be appealing - even when they eat them raw. Unfortunately, eating raw crayfish isnt a good idea - at least from a health standpoint. Recently, six people have become sickened with a rare parasitic infection called paragonimiasis which developed after they ate raw crayfish from various rivers and streams in the Missouri region. Not surprisingly, this has health officials concerned.

The Dangers of Eating Crayfish Raw

Crayfish can harbor a parasite called Paragonimus kellicotti, also known as the lung fluke, which leads to paragonimiasis. When the lung fluke enters the body through the digestive tract, it moves to the lungs where it exerts its unpleasant effects. People who have this rare infection usually develop cough, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, fever, and fatigue - which can be severe in some cases.

If the parasite isnt treated, it can lead to permanent lung damage. Occasionally, the lung fluke migrates to the brain where it causes severe headaches and visual problems including temporary visual loss. Fortunately, paragonimiasis can be successfully treated with a drug called praziquantel, once its diagnosed - but diagnosis can be a challenge unless doctors know theres a history of eating crayfish raw.

Most doctors dont think of paragonimiasis when they see a patient with lung symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough, thus the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. Without a high index of suspicion, the diagnosis can be quite challenging.

Dont Eat Raw Crayfish or Raw Crab

Raw crayfish arent the only source of this lung fluke. Any raw crustacean can harbor Paragonimum kellicotti - particularly raw crab. All crustaceans should be thoroughly cooked to kill any parasites that could lead to infection. Keep raw crayfish away from furry friends too. Dog, cats and other mammals are susceptible to this rare infectious disease too.

Eat Raw Crayfish?: The Bottom Line

Enjoy crawfish and other crustaceans safely by cooking them thoroughly before eating them. Crustaceans from polluted waters can be a source of other bacteria that cause food poisoning. Dont eat them raw - and dont let your pets have them either.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189871.php