CDC Urges Proper Cooking of Wild Game After Six Fall III from Bear Meat Parasite

Trichinellosis, a parasitic infection transmitted through undercooked wild game, has sickened six people in four states after they consumed contaminated bear meat at a family reunion in South Dakota. The CDC emphasizes the significance of thoroughly cooking wild game to prevent infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert after six individuals contracted trichinellosis, a parasitic infection, from undercooked bear meat. The incident occurred at a family reunion in South Dakota, leading to illnesses in people from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona.

Trichinellosis, also known as trichinosis, is caused by roundworms known as Trichinella that live in the intestinal lining of infected animals. When these animals are consumed undercooked, the parasites can infect humans, leading to a variety of symptoms.

In the recent outbreak, the bear meat served at the reunion was contaminated with freeze-resistant Trichinella worms, which survived the 45-day freezing period. Two individuals who only ate vegetables grilled with the meat also contracted the infection, indicating cross-contamination.

Symptoms of trichinellosis can range from fever, muscle aches, and abdominal pain to more severe complications involving the heart, brain, and lungs. The severity of the infection depends on the number of parasites ingested.

The CDC stresses the importance of properly cooking wild game animals to kill Trichinella parasites effectively. Cooking to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a meat thermometer, is crucial. Meat color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.

Wild game, including bear meat, should be cooked thoroughly throughout to eliminate any potential parasites. Raw and undercooked meat and their juices should be kept separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Trichinellosis has become uncommon in the United States due to regulations and inspections in the commercial meat industry. However, it remains a risk associated with consuming undercooked wild game.

From 2016 to 2022, seven outbreaks involving 35 probable and confirmed cases of trichinellosis were reported to the CDC, with bear meat being the suspected or confirmed source in most cases.

The six individuals who fell ill in the recent outbreak eventually recovered, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and cooking techniques when it comes to consuming wild game.

The CDC recommends that individuals who hunt or consume wild game animals familiarize themselves with safe cooking practices and follow the guidelines to minimize the risk of parasitic infections.