How is trichinellosis infection treated?

Several safe and effective prescription drugs are available to treat trichinellosis. Treatment should begin as soon as possible and the decision to treat is based upon symptoms, exposure to raw or undercooked meat, and laboratory test results.

Is trichinellosis common in the United States?

Infection was once very common and usually caused by ingestion of undercooked pork. However, infection is now relatively rare. During 1997-2001, an average of 12 cases per year were reported. The number of cases has decreased because of legislation prohibiting the feeding of raw-meat garbage to hogs, commercial and home freezing of pork, and the public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked pork products. Cases are less commonly associated with pork products and more often associated with eating raw or undercooked wild game meats.

How can I prevent trichinellosis? 

• Cook meat products until the juices run clear or to an internal temperature of 170 o F.
• Freeze pork less than 6 inches thick for 20 days at 5 o F to kill any worms.
• Cook wild game meat thoroughly. Freezing wild game meats, unlike freezing pork products, even for long periods of time, may not effectively kill all worms.
• Cook all meat fed to pigs or other wild animals.
• Do not allow hogs to eat uncooked carcasses of other animals, including rats, which may be infected with trichinellosis.
• Clean meat grinders thoroughly if you prepare your own ground meats.
• Curing (salting), drying, smoking, or microwaving meat does not consistently kill infective worms.