Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health


South Dakota Department of Health

What is trichinosis?
Trichinosis is a foodborne disease caused by a microscopic round worm.

Who gets trichinosis?
Anyone who eats under cooked meat of infected animals can develop trichinosis. Pork products are implicated more often than other meats.

How is trichinosis spread?
Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats and many wild animals including fox, wolf, polar bear and arctic marine mammals harbor the parasite. When parasites are passed in the feces, they infect new animals. When humans eat infected pig meat that has been improperly cooked, they become infected. Person-to-person spread does not occur.

What are the symptoms of trichinosis?

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period varies depending upon the number of parasites in the meat and the amount eaten. It can range from five to 45 days but is usually eight to 15 days.

Does past infection with trichinosis make a person immune?
Partial immunity may develop from infection.

What is the treatment for trichinosis?
A drug called Mebandazole is used in treatment.

What can be the effect of not being treated for trichinosis?
Failure to treat could be fatal.

What can be done to prevent the spread of trichinosis?

Share via: