In a shocking turn of events, a family in South Dakota fell prey to a rare parasitic infection after consuming undercooked bear meat during a reunion. The family lacked a meat thermometer and assessed doneness by eye, resulting in some members being served rare bear meat. Of the eight interviewed family members present for the bear-meat meal, six people had illnesses matching trichinellosis (ranging in age from 12 to 62), and three of them were hospitalized. Four of the six sickened people had eaten the bear meat, while two only ate vegetables that were cooked alongside the meat and cross-contaminated. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) obtained leftover frozen samples of the bear meat which revealed moving larvae identified as Trichinella nativa, a species resistant to freezing. At least 1% to 24% of black bears in Canada and Alaska have Trichinella. The CDC advised that the only sure way to kill trichinella parasites is to adequately cook the meat it resides in, to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F, and reiterated their warning that it can cross-contaminate other foods. Symptoms of brain worm infection include nausea, vomiting, headaches and seizures; however, some people who contract the worms may see no symptoms at all. In this case, a 29-year-old family member and a 12-year-old girl were confirmed to have contracted the disease. All patients recovered after being treated with albendazole, an FDA-approved medication for parasitic worm infections.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper cooking and handling of meat to avoid such parasitic infections. It is also a cautionary tale for adventurous eaters who may be tempted to try exotic meats without fully understanding the risks involved. The CDC recommends cooking wild game to a temperature of at least 165ºF and pork to at least 160ºF. Freezing meat may kill the larvae in pork, but it is not a reliable way to eliminate the brain/muscle-invading roundworm in wild game. Meat handling is also critical. To avoid ingesting Trichinella, a person should keep raw meat and its juices away from other foods and thoroughly clean equipment, surfaces, or hands that have come into contact with raw meat.
While rare, the CDC says that from January 2016 to December 2022, seven trichinosis outbreaks occurred in the United States, including 35 probable and confirmed cases. In most of these cases, bear meat was the suspected or confirmed source of infection.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for people to be aware of the risks associated with consuming undercooked or raw meat and to take necessary precautions to avoid such infections. Proper cooking and handling techniques can go a long way in preventing illnesses caused by parasites like Trichinella.
In conclusion, the family's unfortunate experience serves as a cautionary tale for all adventurous eaters who may be tempted to try exotic meats without fully understanding the risks involved. Proper cooking and handling of meat are essential to avoid such parasitic infections, and people should be aware of the potential dangers associated with consuming undercooked or raw meat.
