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[Acute trichinosis in children. Intrafamilial epidemic outbreak in Mexico City]
A Zamora-Chávez1, M E de la O-Cavazos, R M Bernal-Redondo
1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México.
Abstract:
Four cases of trichinosis found in a family living in Iztapalapa, Mexico, D.F. are reported. The family reported to frequently eat raw sausage originally from Villanueva, Zacatecas from which Trichinella spiralis larvae were isolated. Diagnosis was difficult in the first case since no epidemiological history was associated with the patient, besides the fact that the patient showed no signs of eosinophilia and blood tests were negative. The diagnosis in this case was confirmed through muscular biopsy. The predominating symptomatology consisted in the trilogy of fever, eyelid edema and myalgias.
Insights
Four family members in Mexico contracted trichinosis from eating raw sausage. Diagnosis was challenging, highlighting the need for vigilance against this parasitic infection from undercooked meats.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Trichinosis is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms of the genus Trichinella.
- Consumption of undercooked meat, particularly pork and wild game, is the primary transmission route.
- Outbreaks can occur when contaminated meat products are shared within a community.
Observation:
- Four cases of trichinosis were identified in a family residing in Iztapalapa, Mexico City.
- The family regularly consumed raw sausage sourced from Villanueva, Zacatecas.
- Trichinella spiralis larvae were successfully isolated from the implicated sausage.
Findings:
- Diagnosis proved difficult in one case due to a lack of epidemiological history and absence of typical symptoms like eosinophilia.
- Muscle biopsy was crucial for confirming the diagnosis in the initial case.
- The predominant symptoms observed across the cases included fever, eyelid edema, and myalgia.
Implications:
- This case report underscores the importance of thorough epidemiological investigation in diagnosing trichinosis.
- It highlights the risk associated with consuming raw or undercooked meat products, even when sourced from seemingly reliable origins.
- Public health awareness regarding safe meat handling and consumption practices is essential to prevent future outbreaks.