Is There Any Danger Of Getting Infection After Touching A Worm?

Posted on Tue, 10 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Dr. I touched a worm or a slug,not sure which, to move it and then afterwards a doorknob outside.It was icy and wet outside but I didn't wash my hands.Is there any danger of someone else coming along and getting sick by touching it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer: it is not likely Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic There is a particular parasite called angiostrongylus catonensis that can reside in snails and slugs. These creatures become infected by the ingestion of infected rat faeces. This parasite can cause meningitis but this can only occur if the snail or slug is eaten raw, the use of salads with slugs or snails or drinking contaminated water. Based on this route of transmission it is highly unlikely that any one would infected by coming into contact with the door nob. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (13 minutes later)

Thanks Dr. In your opinion is it safe to forget about the incident from my point of view since I am delivery driver and am unlikely to see the occupants of the home ? Joe

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: no likely complications at all Detailed Answer: HI Yes, you can forget about, it is extremely unlikely to impossible that you caused any harm at all. it would be fine

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 minutes later)

Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: no problem Detailed Answer: You're welcome, please feel free to contact with any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar