Authorities Warn Deadly New Invasive Bug Is Popping Up All Over, Here’s What You Need To Know
By Dreamer
If anyone gets this new parasite, they could die. While the critter is not new to the world, it has only recently begun terrorizing residents in Southwest Florida. Officials are running scared that this flatworm, an invasive species from New Guinea, could become the next epidemic akin to Zika.
But if you spot this critter and stay away, you could be safe. But when you hear how one local Cape Coral resident found a New Guinea flatworm in their flowerpot, you’ll realize that this problem is closer to home than you’d ever like to admit.
Learn more about how this parasite can kill you and what you need to do to protect yourself from it!
Up until recently, authorities never thought they’d see this deadly creature roaming any parts of America. But now that Florida is infected, your hometown could be next.
“They’re a dark worm with a dorsal orange stripe down the center of their back,” agriculture agent Roy Beckford said, according to WFTX.
These worms hitched a ride with plants and produce that was shipped from the South Pacific. Because they were stowaways, shippers didn’t see them. But now that they’ve landed in Florida, they are making the Sunshine State their new home. And these New Guinea flatworms are thriving…
“I first saw one in my driveway … about a year ago in June, and I happened to do a little research and got in touch with a researcher in Paris at the Museum of Natural History and he said ‘Wow, haven’t seen any that far north,'” environmental scientist Christopher McVoy told WPEC.
These flatworms don’t only harm humans. They target other mammals, too, like cats and mice. If these common animals catch the New Guinea flatworm, it is only a matter of time before they spread the killer parasite to humans. That’s why Florida authorities are terrified.
If a human catches the New Guinea flatworm, they can expect to experience a serious disease of the brain and spinal cord, including meningitis. Unless they seek medical attention quickly and remain vigilant.
“If you have long worms, basically you start this horrible coughing,” Beckford said. “It’s a parasite in your lungs that needs to be treated.”
Just coming into contact with one of these worms could spell disaster…
“It can actually cause problems on your skin because it actually vomits up this caustic substance that can cause problems,” Beckford said.
This flatworm is a threat to human health. But not only that, it will destroy the Florida ecosystem unless it is stopped.
“Bear in mind we’re not just talking about trees,” Beckford told WFTX. “We’re talking about shrubs and other plants that grow in our environments here.”
If you spot this worm, take a picture and report it to your authorities.
Watch the report below. The threat of the New Guinea flatworm is real. Do not ignore it if you see it. Make sure you make an official report or you might be around to watch it slowly destroy the Florida you know and love.
Please SHARE THIS WARNING with your family and friends in the South!
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