Trichinellosis (roundworm)

Overview

How can I get sick?

• Eating meat that has Trichinella roundworms* (especially raw or undercooked* meat). Examples of animal meat that Trichinella roundworms* can be found in are mountain lions, pork, wild feline (bobcats), fox, and wolf.

Symptoms in humans:

• Feeling like you need to throw up
• Diarrhea (runny poop)
• Throwing up
• Tiredness
• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal)

• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Chills (feeling of being cold and shivering)
• Cough
• Swelling of the eyes and face
• Muscle pain
• Itchy skin
• Not being able to poop

What can I do to stay healthy?

• Always cook your meat to the recommended internal temperature. A food thermometer should be used when cooking meat.

• After touching raw meat make sure to wash your hands.
  • Proper Handwashing – Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub your thumbs, between your fingers and the tops and bottoms of your hands. Dry your hands with a paper towel.

• Curing, drying, smoking or microwaving meat does not kill all roundworms*. Homemade jerky and sausage can cause illness.
• Freezing wild game meat may not kill all roundworms*, make sure to cook wild game meat to the right internal temperature.
• Clean meat grinders after each use.

*Definitions: 

• Parasite: A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside another organism, called a host. Parasites can cause diseases in humans or animals.
• Roundworm: A small worm that lives inside the bodies of humans and animals.
• Undercooked: Cooking food less than the recommended time or temperature.