Family contracts rare roundworm parasites from undercooked bear meat, CDC reports

Six people got sick after eating black bear meat kebabs. They were diagnosed with a disease called trichinellosis. This disease comes from parasites that can infect humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a report about this. In July 2022, a 29-year-old person went to the hospital with symptoms of trichinellosis. This person had a fever, muscle aches, swollen eyes, and high levels of a type of white blood cell. The CDC found out that this person and eight others had eaten a meal together a week before getting sick. They ate black bear meat that had been frozen for 45 days and then cooked with vegetables. Six people got trichinellosis from this meal, even those who only ate the vegetables. Trichinellosis is caused by a type of roundworm called trichinella. The CDC discovered that the larvae from the bear meat were a type that can survive freezing. The family had gathered in South Dakota and ate the bear meat that had been hunted in Canada. The meat was initially undercooked because it looked dark, and they couldn't tell if it was done. After realizing it was undercooked, they tried to cook it more, but it was too late. Three of the sick people had to go to the hospital, but all six recovered after getting the right treatment. Trichinellosis usually comes from eating undercooked wild game meat. The CDC recommends cooking meat thoroughly to prevent this disease.