\nIn 2018, a young man passed away after a dare from his friends turned life-threatening. The initial dare, which was to eat a slug, took place ten years prior, shedding some light on the dangers of parasites associated with slugs.\n
In 2010, 19-year-old Sam Ballard from Sydney, Australia, was blowing off some steam with his friends. They were enjoying a bottle of wine, when things took a strange turn. \u201cWe were sitting, having a bit of a red wine appreciation night, trying to act as grown-ups and a slug came crawling across,\u201d recalls Sam\u2019s friend Jimmy. \u201cThe conversation came, \u2018should I eat it?\u2019 off Sam went.\u201d\n
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Although in some cases, eating slugs results in nothing more than an upset stomach, that wasn\u2019t the case for Ballard. Sadly, his encounter would leave him with detrimental and life-changing consequences. The promising Rugby player would lose his ability to walk, let alone pursue his passion. Instead, Ballard underwent a series of complications over a decade, ultimately leading to the end of his life.\n
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Sam became infected with a parasite known as rat lungworm; the most common parasite associated with slugs. Initially, his symptoms were severe weakness and pain throughout his legs. However, it soon became apparent that his health was deeply at risk. Eventually, he contracted meningitis and then went into a coma for 420 days.\n
Ballard finally came to, but learned that his life would never be the same. The parasite often associated with slugs, had caused an infection. In time, spreading to his brain and causing paralysis. He would no longer be able to walk but even everyday tasks like using the restroom or eating would prove impossible without assistance.\n
As such, his loving mom Katie Ballard cared for him day after day. He was in need of 24-hour care until 2018, when he tragically passed away at 29. He passed with his friends and family close by and told his mom he loved just before his death.\n
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Incredibly, Katie doesn\u2019t blame his friends for the mishap and seemingly understands that friends sometimes encourage each other to partake in \u201cpeculiar acts.\u201c. Sam\u2019s story is one that will likely stick with his friends forever. Luckily, in many cases, this kind of thing is avoidable.\n
Most easily by not eating or licking slugs, even for the sake of fulfilling a dare. Secondly, should you come into contact with slugs, avoid touching your face and most importantly your mouth. Moreover, prioritize washing your hands thoroughly and as soon as possible.\n
Another easy way to avoid parasitic slugs is to know a little about them, including that range in size but can be small enough to hide in produce.\n