A family gathering in South Dakota turned into a health crisis when six people became infected with a parasite known as “brain worms” after consuming undercooked black bear meat in 2022. According to a recent report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the outbreak occurred after a group of nine family members shared kebabs made from the meat of a black bear and vegetables at the reunion.
The incident took place in May 2022 when one family member harvested the black bear meat in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, and froze it for 45 days before grilling it with the vegetables. Unfortunately, the meat was accidentally undercooked, leading to symptoms consistent with trichinellosis, or brain worm infection, in several family members who sought medical attention in the following months.
Upon investigation by health officials, it was discovered that the parasite trichinella, responsible for trichinellosis, was present in the undercooked bear meat. The CDC advised the public to ensure that all meat is cooked to an internal temperature of ≥165°F to prevent similar incidents in the future.
One of the infected individuals, a 29-year-old man from Minnesota, experienced severe symptoms of trichinellosis, including fever, aches, swollen eyes, and abnormal lab results. It was not until his fourth visit to the hospital that he disclosed consuming bear meat, highlighting the importance of transparency with healthcare providers for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Trichinellosis, a relatively rare parasitic disease, primarily stems from consuming undercooked meat from wild animals, with about 90% of cases in the United States linked to bear meat consumption. The CDC emphasized the significance of thorough cooking and proper meat handling practices to mitigate the risk of parasite infections.
In addition to the health implications, the outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and proper handling of wild game meats to prevent similar incidents in the future. By following recommended cooking guidelines and maintaining good hygiene practices when handling raw meat, individuals can safeguard themselves against potentially harmful parasites like trichinella.