trich·i·no·sis (trĭk'ə-nō'sĭs)n.

A disease caused by eating undercooked meat, usually pork, that contains trichinae, which develop as adults in the intestines and as larvae in the muscles, causing intestinal disorders, fever, nausea, muscular pain, and edema of the face.

Trichinosis

What is trichinosis?

Trichinosis, also called trichinellosis, is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game products which are infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella spiralis. Infection occurs worldwide, but is most common in areas where raw or undercooked pork, such as ham or sausage, is eaten.

What are the symptoms of trichinosis?

The initial symptoms of trichinosis are abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and fever.

These symptoms are usually followed by headache, fever, chills, cough, eye swelling, aching joints, muscle pains, itchy skin, and diarrhea or constipation.

As the infection intensifies, patients may experience difficulty coordinating movements, and heart and breathing problems. In severe cases of trichinosis, death can result.

Can you have trichinosis and not know it?

Often, mild cases of trichinosis are never specifically diagnosed and are assumed to be the flu or other common illnesses.

How soon after infection do the initial symptoms of trichinosis appear?

Abdominal symptoms can occur 1-2 days after infection. Further symptoms usually start 2-8 weeks after eating the contaminated meat.

What determines the severity of the symptoms?

Symptoms may range from very mild to severe. The severity of symptoms relates to the number of infectious worms consumed in the meat.