Analysis of Bear Meat Consumption and Trichinosis Risk

A recent incident involving a family consuming undercooked bear meat resulted in several members being infected with parasites known as trichinella, causing a condition called trichinellosis. In July 2022, a man from Minnesota was hospitalized multiple times with symptoms such as fever, muscle soreness, and swelling around the eyes after attending a family gathering where bear meat kabobs were served. The meat, harvested in northern Saskatchewan and mistakenly served rare, led to the transmission of encapsulated larvae to nine family members who consumed the meal. Trichinellosis, a rare infection in humans, can cause larvae to move through the body to muscle tissue and organs, including the brain. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F is crucial to kill trichinella parasites and prevent infection. The incident highlights the importance of proper food preparation, especially when consuming wild game.