Family in US Contracts Brain Worms from Eating Raw Bear Meat

Post by : Elena Malik

An American family encountered a distressing health ordeal after consuming bear meat at a gathering, as per a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The incident, originating from a family event in South Dakota, led to multiple hospitalizations and a subsequent investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health in 2022.

Initially, the alarm was raised when a 29-year-old man began experiencing severe symptoms, including fever, muscle soreness, and eye swelling, prompting repeated hospital visits within a short span. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the afflicted individual had partaken in a meal featuring kabobs made from black bear meat sourced from northern Saskatchewan.

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The meat, stored in a freezer for a month and a half before being thawed, was initially served rare due to its darker hue. Despite recooking after family members noted its undercooked taste, nine individuals consumed the bear meat. Subsequently, the 29-year-old was diagnosed with trichinellosis, a rare form of roundworm infection commonly associated with the consumption of wild game.

Dr. Celine Gounder highlighted potential symptoms of brain worm infection, ranging from nausea and vomiting to headaches and seizures, with some cases exhibiting no symptoms. Typically, the immune system encapsulates parasites, inhibiting their spread by transforming them into calcified structures.

Emphasizing the importance of proper cooking to neutralize parasites, the CDC recommended heating meat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and cautioned against cross-contamination. Five other family members, including a 12-year-old, were also diagnosed with resistant worms and subsequently treated with albendazole, a medication that disrupts worm energy absorption, leading to their demise.