Summary about Disease
Trichinosis (also called trichinellosis) is a parasitic disease caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, that is infected with the larvae of a roundworm called Trichinella spiralis. The larvae mature into adult worms in the intestine and then produce larvae that migrate to muscles and other tissues.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the number of larvae ingested. Mild cases may have no symptoms. More severe cases can include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Abdominal cramps
Muscle pain (especially in the muscles used for breathing, chewing, or eye movement)
Fever
Headache
Swelling of the face, particularly around the eyes
Itchy skin
Weakness
Causes
Trichinosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with Trichinella larvae. The most common source is pork, but it can also come from wild game like bear, boar, and cougar. Animals become infected by eating other infected animals or meat scraps.
Medicine Used
Anthelmintics: These medications, such as mebendazole or albendazole, are used to kill the adult worms in the intestine. They are most effective when given early in the infection.
Pain Relievers: Pain relievers can help alleviate muscle pain.
Corticosteroids: In severe cases, corticosteroids (like prednisone) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, especially if the heart or brain is affected.
Is Communicable
Trichinosis is not communicable from person to person. It is acquired solely through the consumption of infected meat.
Precautions
Cook Meat Thoroughly: Cook pork and wild game to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
Freeze Pork: Freezing pork less than 6 inches thick for 20 days at 5°F (-15°C) will kill Trichinella larvae. Freezing wild game is not always effective.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Avoid cross-contaminating other foods with raw meat.
Feed Animals Properly: Don't feed raw meat scraps to pigs or other animals that could be a source of infection.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an outbreak depends on how quickly the source of the contaminated meat is identified and removed from consumption. Individual infections can last for several weeks or months, depending on the severity and whether treatment is received.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctors will ask about symptoms and eating habits, especially recent consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect antibodies to Trichinella larvae, indicating an infection.
Muscle Biopsy: In some cases, a muscle biopsy may be performed to look for Trichinella larvae in the muscle tissue.
Timeline of Symptoms
1-2 Days After Infection: Intestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting may begin.
2-8 Weeks After Infection: Muscle pain, fever, headache, swelling of the face (especially around the eyes), weakness, and fatigue develop as larvae migrate to muscle tissue.
Later Stages: Symptoms can persist for weeks to months, with muscle pain gradually subsiding. In severe cases, complications such as heart or brain involvement can occur.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
While freezing pork can kill Trichinella larvae, it is not always effective for wild game. Cooking to the proper temperature is the most reliable way to prevent infection.
Public health surveillance is important to detect and respond to outbreaks of trichinosis.
Educating the public about the risks of eating raw or undercooked meat is essential for prevention.