A family reunion in South Dakota turned into a health crisis when six family members were infected with a rare parasitic disease caused by roundworm larvae after consuming kebabs made of bear meat. The outbreak occurred in July 2022, after a family member brought frozen meat from a black bear hunted in northern Canada to the gathering. Despite efforts to cook the meat, it was unintentionally served and eaten rare, leading to severe health complications for several family members.
After consuming the bear meat, one family member developed symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and swelling around the eyes. Subsequently, five other family members also experienced symptoms like headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Medical tests confirmed that the individuals had been infected with Trichinella, a type of roundworm, likely from the undercooked bear meat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated the outbreak, linking it to trichinellosis, a disease caused by consuming undercooked meat contaminated with Trichinella larvae. While most cases of trichinellosis in the U.S. are rare, outbreaks related to bear meat consumption have been identified in the past. The infected individuals received treatment to eliminate the parasitic worms, leading to their eventual recovery from the disease.
Interestingly, two of the infected individuals at the reunion only consumed grilled vegetables and still contracted the disease, highlighting the potential for cross-contamination from infected meat. The CDC’s report emphasized the importance of proper cooking methods when preparing wild game meat, as freezing may not eliminate all species of Trichinella parasites. Additionally, the report recommended using a meat thermometer to ensure that wild game meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any potential parasites.
The incident served as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with consuming wild game meat and the importance of thorough cooking to prevent parasitic infections. Ultimately, all six family members affected by the outbreak were able to recover from trichinellosis, underscoring the crucial role of proper food safety practices in preventing similar health incidents in the future.