Trichinosis is a foodborne disease caused by a microscopic roundworm.
Disease Facts
Anyone who eats undercooked meat of infected animals can develop trichinosis. Pork products are implicated more often than other meats.
Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats and many wild animals including fox, wolf, polar bear and arctic marine mammals harbor the parasite. When parasites are passed in the feces, they infect new animals. When humans eat infected pig meat that has been improperly cooked, they become infected. Person-to-person spread does not occur.
The symptoms usually start with fever, muscle soreness, pain and swelling around the eyes. Thirst, profuse sweating, chills, weakness and tiredness may develop. Chest pain may be experienced, since the parasite may become imbedded in the diaphragm (the thin muscle separating the lungs from abdominal organs).
The incubation period varies depending upon the number of parasites in the meat and the amount eaten. It can range from five to 45 days but is usually eight to 15 days.
Partial immunity may develop from infection.
A drug called Mebandazole is used in treatment.
Failure to treat could be fatal.
The best prevention is to make sure that pork products are properly cooked. The desirable temperature is at least 150 degrees F. Storing infected meat in a freezer with a temperature no higher than -13 degrees F. for 10 days will also destroy the parasite.