Sioux Falls, South Dakota – A family reunion in South Dakota turned into a health scare when several family members were hospitalized after consuming black bear meat. The incident, detailed in the latest edition of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, took place during the summer of 2022.
According to the report, an extended family from various parts of the country gathered for the reunion, where one family member, a hunter, brought black bear meat harvested in northern Saskatchewan in May 2022. Despite freezing the meat for 45 days to eliminate potential parasites, several family members fell ill after consuming the grilled kebabs made with the bear meat.
While freezing can kill some parasites found in black bears, certain species are freeze-tolerant, as noted by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Bears, as well as other wildlife like wild boar and wolves, can carry trichinellosis, a disease caused by parasitic roundworms, without showing visible signs of infection.
Experts warn that cooking bear meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial to kill any parasites present. Smoking, salting, drying, or microwaving the meat may not always eliminate the risk of infection.
In this case, the family initially consumed the bear meat rare, leading to several members experiencing symptoms consistent with trichinellosis. One family member, a 29-year-old man, had to be hospitalized twice due to severe muscle pain, fever, and swelling of the eyes. Blood tests revealed eosinophilia, indicating a potential parasitic infection.
Trichinellosis can range from mild to severe, with symptoms varying based on where the larvae migrate within the body. Among the interviewed family members, six displayed symptoms of trichinellosis, with three requiring hospitalization. Treatment with albendazole, an antiparasitic drug, led to recovery for all affected individuals.
Following laboratory confirmation of Trichinella larvae in the bear meat samples, the hunter was instructed to dispose of any remaining meat. The incident prompted the CDC to alert the Public Health Agency of Canada, where the bear had originated, about the outbreak.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thoroughly cooking game meat, especially wild game from northern latitudes, to avoid parasitic infections. The CDC advocates for proper food handling practices and educating hunters on the risks associated with consuming wild game to prevent similar incidents in the future.