Trichinellosis Outbreak Linked to Undercooked Bear Meat at Family Gathering in U.S.

Many individuals who partook in a family feast consuming bear meat sourced from northern Saskatchewan faced trichinellosis, as revealed in a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease, caused by a parasite common in wild game, affected several members at a gathering in South Dakota.

In July 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health received reports of a 29-year-old man being recurrently hospitalized with symptoms like fever and severe muscle soreness after ingesting undercooked bear meat at a family event. It was disclosed that the meal was prepared from a black bear hunted in northern Saskatchewan and shared among extended family members from Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

Douglas Clark, an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, noted that trichinellosis outbreaks have occurred due to the consumption of undercooked bear meat, wild boar, and even walrus. The family in this incident unintentionally served the meat rare, leading to complications when some members ingested it before realizing its undercooked state.

The meat, stored in a household freezer for 45 days, was grilled with vegetables after thawing. Despite freezing, many trichinella species common in Canada can survive and must be cooked thoroughly at a temperature of at least 74°C to be eradicated, according to Clark.

Emily Jenkins, a veterinary microbiology professor, highlighted that trichinellosis associated with bear meat surfaces periodically, especially among individuals unfamiliar with the need to cook wild game thoroughly. Previous outbreaks have occurred globally, with significant cases reported in France linked to bear meat from Canada.

Jenkins further explained the prevalence of trichinella in carnivorous wildlife like polar bears and wolverines, emphasizing the susceptibility of humans to the parasite through consumption. She mentioned the discovery of a new species, Trichinella chanchalensis, in the Yukon, stating its muscle-dwelling nature and potential health implications.

Parasitic infections like trichinellosis can result in various symptoms, ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to muscle aches and swelling. Treatment involves anti-parasitic drugs and inflammation management, with challenges in eliminating larvae once they infiltrate the muscles.

International attention on parasitic infections was recently drawn when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disclosed contracting a similar ailment, underscoring the importance of proper cooking and awareness when consuming wild game.

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