Outbreak of trichinosis near Paris

A localised outbreak of trichinosis occurred in January 1976 in the southern suburbs of Paris. A total fo 125 cases was recorded including 30 children. The prominent symptoms were oedema of the face or eyelids, fever, and myalgia; diarrhoea was unusual and constipation common. An increased blood eosinophil count and raised serum concentrations of muscular enzymes strongly indicated trichinosis. This diagnosis was confirmed later immunologically. The parasite was found in only three out of 32 muscle biopsy specimens but this investigation was made relatively early in the disease. No deaths occurred. In all cases clinical recovery was fast and serum antibody titres were maximum during the first month and decreased slowly. The disease was milder and the recovery faster in children than adults. Epidemiological study suggested that horse meat was responsible for the infection, though no meat could be examined.