Trichinellosis surveillance - United States, 2002-2007

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• Trichinellosis is a parasitic disease caused by Trichinella roundworms, transmitted through undercooked meat.
• Human infection occurs via ingestion of larvae, leading to symptoms like fever, myalgia, and eosinophilia.
• National surveillance data show a significant decline in reported trichinellosis cases since 1947.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and sources of trichinellosis in the United States between 2002 and 2007.
• To identify trends in meat consumption associated with Trichinella infections.
• To inform public health strategies for disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of reported trichinellosis cases submitted to the CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
• Inclusion criteria required a submitted supplementary case report form and adherence to the case definition.
• Meat product sources were categorized as pork or non-pork, with further classification for specific types and origins.

Main Results:

• A total of 66 cases were reported from 2002-2007; 12 were excluded from analysis.
• Meat products other than pork were associated with 50% of cases (27/43), primarily bear meat (21 cases).
• Pork was associated with 19% of cases (10/43), including commercial pork (7 cases) and noncommercial wild boar (2 cases).

Conclusions:

• Reported cases of trichinellosis linked to commercial pork remain low.
• Non-pork meats, particularly bear meat, are the leading source of infection.
• Targeted education on safe food handling for consumers of wild game is crucial for further incidence reduction.