Undercooked Bear Meat Linked to Parasitic Outbreak in North Carolina
A recent outbreak of trichinellosis, a rare parasitic disease, has been traced back to undercooked bear meat consumed at a gathering in North Carolina, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The October 10 report highlighted that 10 probable cases were identified after attendees at the event consumed the infected meat.
Bear Meat as a Source
The CDC has noted that a growing number of trichinellosis cases are linked to the consumption of wild game meat, particularly black bear, a common host for the parasite Trichinella. Trichinellosis occurs when humans eat undercooked or raw meat containing dormant larvae.
The report stressed the importance of safely preparing wild game meat, advising that it be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to effectively kill the parasite.
Symptoms and Risks
Symptoms of trichinellosis include muscle aches, fever, and facial swelling, with 42% of cases showing facial swelling.
While rare, the disease can be severe and, in 0.2% of cases, fatal. Health officials discovered the outbreak in November 2023, when a patient experienced flu-like symptoms and swelling after consuming bear meat at the gathering.
Previous Cases
This isn’t the first time bear meat has been associated with trichinellosis. In 2022, six cases were linked to undercooked bear meat from Canada, with two cases of cross-contamination affecting individuals who only ate vegetables.
Those concerned about having consumed contaminated meat are advised to seek medical care if flu-like symptoms develop within two months of ingestion.
Discover how to avoid parasitic outbreaks when preparing wild game—explore safe cooking guidelines on our homepage.
