A Snail-Killing Worm Is Invading America And It Can Cause Deadly Meningitis

Whenever a dangerous disease of some kind begins to spread out of nowhere, it's important to know what to look out for to stay safe. One current example of a health crisis is the recent spread of the Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Another bizarre health scare is making some news that isn't a virus or type of super-bacteria, it's a deadly flatworm that has been spotted recently in Florida.

Health experts are warning that this dangerous and invasive species can cause meningitis in humans. It's important that you know what to look out for and what to do if you happen to spot a New Guinea Flatworm.

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Wildlife experts are beginning to discuss the potential life-threatening dangers of the New Guinea Flatworm (otherwise known as Platydemus manokwari) after several have been spotted in Florida gardens. 

Sightings in Miami and Cape Coral have been made and CBS 12 News reports that officials have set up local hotlines to report sightings. 

Pictured here is a New Guinea Flatworm feeding on a snail. Snails are one species that the flatworm feeds on.

The danger of the flatworm comes from rats and mice eating them and leaving contaminated feces. The contaminated air can cause a brain infection known as meningitis.

The worm is slender and can reach a length of roughly 2.5 inches.

The top of the worm is dark brown or black and the underside is gray.

The spread of this worm native to New Guinea has resulted from the transport of tropical fruit and plants shipped from the country.

Not only do these flatworms pose a threat to people, they also threaten local plants because they have no natural predators in this new environment. 

To kill New Guinea Flatworms, officials recommend citizens pour boiling water on them.

After killing the worm, be sure to report the sighting to authorities.

If you happen to spot one, do not touch it and call a local wildlife hotline immediately. It's possible for your skin to become extremely irritated from touching a New Guinea Flatworm because they release a substance that corrodes organic tissue.

Local fish and wildlife agencies will be able to set you up with a number to call.

Here's a recent new report from FOX 4 Now detailing this dangerous flatworm.

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