Trichinosis

Trichinosis is an infection that was once very common. Today however, it is relatively rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trichinosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game products infected with the larvae of a species of roundworm called Trichinella. (Read about "Animal & Insect Borne Diseases") The disease was contained as laws were passed forbidding the feeding of hogs uncooked garbage. Public education of the need to cook pork products completely has also had a major impact.

The infection occurs worldwide, but CDC says it is most common in places where raw or undercooked pork products are eaten. You are at risk for trichinosis if you eat raw or undercooked meats like pork, bear, wild feline, fox, dog, wolf, horse, seal or walrus.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of trichinosis infection may consist of:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea (Read about "Diarrhea")
• fatigue
• fever
• abdominal pain

Later symptoms may include:

• headaches
• fevers
• chills
• cough
• eye swelling
• aching joints
• muscle pains
• itchy skin
• constipation (Read about "Constipation")

Symptoms can occur one to two days after infection. More symptoms usually start two to eight weeks after eating contaminated meat. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the number of infectious worms consumed in the meat. In severe cases, death can occur. With mild to moderate infections, most symptoms subside within a few months, according to CDC.

Treatment and prevention

A blood test or muscle biopsy (Read about "Laboratory Testing" "Biopsy") can detect trichinosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, anti-parasite prescription drugs can help treat trichinosis. Pain relievers may also be used for muscle pain.

You can help reduce your risk of trichinosis by following these CDC guidelines:

• cook meat until juices run clear or to an internal temperature of 170 degrees
• freeze pork less than six inches thick for 20 days at five degrees Fahrenheit to kill any worms
• cook wild game meat thoroughly
• cook all meat fed to pigs or other wild animals