US Shocker: Minnesota Family Infected With Brain Worms After Eating Undercooked Bear Meat
In a startling health incident, an American family suffered a brain worm infection after consuming undercooked bear meat, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
New York, May 25: In a startling health incident, an American family suffered a brain worm infection after consuming undercooked bear meat, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case came to light when a 29-year-old man from Minnesota was repeatedly hospitalised, showing symptoms such as fever, severe muscle soreness, and swelling around the eyes.
According to a CBS report, the Minnesota Department of Health traced the source of the infection back to a family gathering in South Dakota, where kabobs made from black bear meat were served. The meat, sourced from northern Saskatchewan, had been frozen for over a month before being cooked. Initially served rarely, the meat was recooked after family members noted its undercooked taste. Despite this, nine family members, including the 29-year-old man, contracted trichinellosis - a rare roundworm infection typically acquired from eating wild animals. Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba Acanthamoeba Found in 10 Patients, US CDC Warns Against Nasal Rinsing With Tap Water.
What Is Trichinellosis? Its Causes and Prevention?
Dr Celine Gounder, speaking to CBS, highlighted that trichinellosis can cause symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to headaches and seizures, with some individuals showing no symptoms at all. The immune system usually encases the parasites in calcified structures to prevent further spread.
The CDC advises that to avoid such infections, meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the parasites. They also caution against cross-contamination, which could spread the parasites to other foods. Bird Flu Outbreak in US: Second Human Case of H5N1 Reported in Michigan.
In this case, five other family members, including a 12-year-old girl, were diagnosed with freeze-resistant worms. They received treatment with albendazole, a medication that inhibits the worms' ability to absorb energy, leading to their demise. The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2024 04:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).