Man Eats Slug on a Dare, Leading to Tragic Consequences Years Later

In 2018, a tragic story emerged that highlighted the unexpected dangers of a seemingly harmless dare. Sam Ballard, a young man from Sydney, Australia, passed away nearly a decade after eating a slug—an act encouraged by friends during a casual gathering. What began as a light-hearted challenge turned into a life-altering medical crisis, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

A Night That Changed Everything

In 2010, 19-year-old Sam Ballard was enjoying an evening with friends, sharing a bottle of red wine. Trying to emulate the sophistication of adulthood, the group was caught off guard when a slug crawled across the patio.

“We were sitting there, having a bit of a red wine appreciation night,” recalled Sam’s friend Jimmy. “A slug came by, and the conversation turned to, ‘Should I eat it?’ And then Sam did.”

What seemed like a silly stunt quickly turned into something much more serious.

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The Hidden Dangers of Slugs

While ingesting a slug might only cause mild discomfort in some cases, for Sam, the outcome was devastating. He contracted a rare but serious parasite known as rat lungworm—Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This parasite, commonly found in slugs and snails, is capable of causing severe neurological damage in humans.

Shortly after the incident, Sam began experiencing intense leg pain and weakness. These symptoms escalated quickly. He was later diagnosed with eosinophilic meningitis, a type of meningitis caused by parasites. Sam fell into a coma for 420 days, and when he awoke, his life had changed forever.

The infection had spread to his brain, leaving him paralyzed and fully dependent on others for basic daily tasks such as eating and using the bathroom. His mother, Katie Ballard, became his full-time caregiver, dedicating herself to providing constant support over the years.

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A Life Cut Short

Despite his courage and the unwavering love of his family, Sam’s health continued to decline. In 2018, eight years after the initial incident, Sam passed away at the age of 29. He was surrounded by family and friends and told his mother he loved her shortly before his death.

Remarkably, Katie expressed no anger toward Sam’s friends, acknowledging that young people sometimes make impulsive decisions without understanding the risks. “It was just a silly thing,” she said.

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Preventing Similar Tragedies

Sam's story serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers posed by parasites. Rat lungworm is a serious threat, often contracted through contact with slugs or snails—especially when they are ingested, even accidentally.

Here are several ways to reduce the risk:

• Never eat or lick slugs or snails, even as a joke or dare.

• Avoid touching your face or mouth after handling slugs or coming into contact with their slime.

• Wash hands thoroughly after gardening or handling produce that may have come into contact with mollusks.

• Rinse fruits and vegetables carefully, especially if consumed raw.

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or other mollusks.

Rat lungworm isn’t the only parasite carried by slugs. Other serious illnesses include angiostrongyliasis, paragonimiasis, and fascioliasis, which can damage major organs such as the brain, liver, and intestines. In rare cases, these infections can lead to infertility or dangerous immune system overreactions.

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Understanding Rat Lungworm

Rat lungworm, or Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis, according to the CDC. This form of meningitis involves an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

The life cycle of this parasite is both complex and disturbing:

1. Rodents carry the adult worms in their lungs and excrete larvae in their feces.

2. Slugs and snails consume the larvae from rodent droppings and become infected.

3. Humans and other animals can become accidental hosts by ingesting infected slugs or contaminated produce.

Though rare, infection can lead to permanent disability or even death, as it did in Sam’s heartbreaking case.

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A Lasting Legacy

Sam Ballard’s story is a tragic example of how a single moment can have lifelong consequences. His death was not in vain—it serves as an important public health warning and a call for greater awareness about the risks posed by parasites.

While dares and jokes are common among young people, some actions can have irreversible effects. Being informed and cautious—especially when it comes to things we consume—can save lives.