| Home > Site Map > Conditions > T > Trichinosis |
| Trichinosis is a foodborne disease caused by a microscopic parasite. It is an excruciatingly painful disease that is among the most dreaded of human afflictions. When the meat is eaten, the digestive juices in the stomach free these encysted worms or larvae from their capsules. After mating, the females give birth to large numbers of young (called larvae), starting about the sixth day after infection. These microscopic young worms penetrate the lining of the intestines, pass into the lymphatic system or the blood, and are carried to the heart. From there they are carried throughout the body by the circulating blood. When they develop into adult males and females in the intestine, they are about 1/8 and 1/6 inch long, respectively. Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats and many wild animals including fox, wolf and polar bear may harbor the parasite. When humans eat infected pork that has been improperly cooked, they become infected. Person-to-person spread does not occur. Thirst, profuse sweating, chills, weakness and tiredness may develop. Chest pain may be experienced since the parasite may become imbedded in the diaphragm (the thin muscle separating the lungs from abdominal organs). The incubation period varies depending upon the number of parasites in the meat and the amount eaten. The best means of prevention is to make sure that pork (and other) products are properly cooked. If you eat pork, be careful since even a small uncooked portion can lead to infection. Storing infected meat in a freezer with a temperature no higher than -13°F for 10 days will also destroy the parasite. Prognosis; Complications Most people with trichinosis have no symptoms and their infection resolves on its own. More severe infections may be more difficult to treat, especially if the lungs, the heart, and/or the brain is involved. Trichinosis can result in death when infection is heavy - although fewer than 2% of all reported cases are fatal. Possible complications include arrhythmias from heart inflammation (myocarditis); heart failure; encephalitis; pneumonia. |
| Parasite Infection |