SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (
KELO) —
Family members from three different states were infected with brain worms after consuming bear meat kebobs,
a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains.
In total, nine family members from three states (Arizona, Minnesota, or South Dakota) — attended a 2022 family gathering in South Dakota, the May 23 report says.
One of the family members had harvested the bear in northern Saskatchewan. The meat was stored in a freezer for more than a month before being prepared and used for kebobs. According to the report, the family member had been instructed by a hunting outfitter to freeze the meat in order to kill parasites.
The CDC report notes, however, that the larvae and worms later detected in the meat and family members are freeze-resistant.
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At the family gathering, the meat was grilled alongside vegetables but was accidentally served undercooked. After a few attendees initially ate the meat, it was recooked and served again.
Three of the affected family members said they had only consumed vegetables at the meal, but health officials say the meat may have already cross-contaminated the other food that was served.
A few weeks later in July 2022, one of the family members was hospitalized with a fever, severe muscle soreness and swelling around the eyes, the CDC explains. Physicians diagnosed him with trichinellosis.
Trichinellosis is a roundworm infection usually caused by eating raw or uncooked meat contaminated with the parasite
trichinella. Its larvae can come from meat-eating animals like bears, as well as wild boars and walruses, according to the
CDC.
Seven additional family members, including a 12-year-old girl, were ultimately diagnosed with the worms. Three of the seven were hospitalized and treated with a medication called albendazole, which kills the worms, the CDC says. Only six were symptomatic and they all recovered, according to health officials.
Leftover bear meat was tested, and Trichinellosis larvae were detected.