A public health department has issued a warning after several attendees at a barbecue contracted a rare parasite from eating undercooked meat. In November of last year, 34 people attended a barbecue in western North Carolina, and 10 later reported feeling unwell with troubling symptoms.
According to an October 10, 2024 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22 of the attendees confirmed they had consumed undercooked bear meat at the event. Of the 10 who fell ill, nine experienced facial swelling, six reported muscle pain (myalgia), and four had a fever. Five of these individuals were later diagnosed with Trichinellosis, a rare parasitic infection.
The CDC explains that Trichinella parasites have complex life cycles and can cause trichinellosis (trichinosis) when humans eat undercooked or raw meat containing dormant larvae. Although rare in the US due to changes in pig farming practices, recent cases have been linked to eating wild game. A similar outbreak in 2022 involved six trichinellosis cases from undercooked bear meat, even though two individuals had only eaten vegetables.
The CDC notes that common symptoms include muscle pain and fever in 54% of cases, and facial swelling in 42%. Early diagnosis is critical, as the disease can be severe, with a 0.2% fatality rate. While five individuals tested positive, follow-up testing and meat analysis were not conducted, so all 10 are considered ‘probable cases.’ Most were prescribed antihelminth medications to treat the infection.
To reduce risk, the CDC advises local health authorities and wildlife management to promote the safe preparation of wild game meat. It recommends cooking wild game, including bear meat, to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill the Trichinella parasites.