A disease that can cause neurological illness and meningitis in people, rat lungworm, has been found in wild opposums, rats and a zoo animal in San Diego County, indicating its establishment in California for the first time. The department said it is not aware of rat lungworm outside San Diego County, and has seen no human cases. “However, the San Diego study affirms that the parasite can be introduced to California through movement of infected animals from endemic areas,” the statement said. AdvertisementThe discovery of the worm in San Diego County rodents and opossums was made by staff at the San Diego Zoo and a local wildlife rehabilitation center, Project Wildlife, which is run by the San Diego Humane Society. Officials at the San Diego Zoo did not respond to requests for comment.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 06, 2026 21:33 UTC