Trichinellosis Outbreak in US Family
The US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported a rare case of trichinellosis affecting six members of a family in the United States. The incident occurred after the family consumed undercooked black bear meat during a gathering in South Dakota.
Details of the Incident
- The meat, initially served rare, had been stored frozen for over a month before being cooked.
- One family member exhibited symptoms such as high fever, muscle soreness, and swelling around the eyes, requiring multiple hospitalizations.
- Investigations revealed that the bear meat had been frozen for six weeks and was deemed healthy before consumption.
Health Recommendations
The CDC emphasized the importance of cooking wild game meat thoroughly to eliminate Trichinella parasites. Proper cooking at an internal temperature of ≥165°F (≥74°C) is crucial to prevent infections.
Infected meat can contaminate other foods, highlighting the need to handle raw meat separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Parasite Lifecycle
After ingestion, Trichinella larvae are released in the small intestine, where they mature into adult worms. The females, measuring 2.2 mm, release larvae that migrate to muscles and form cysts.
The parasite’s lifespan in the small intestine is approximately four weeks, with larvae encysting in muscles after one week.
It is essential to be vigilant when consuming wild game meat and ensure thorough cooking to prevent trichinellosis infections.