Six people who attended a family gathering where undercooked bear meat was served contracted 'brain worms,' leading to symptoms and hospitalizations. Trichinosis, caused by the Trichinella parasite, was traced back to the consumption of rare bear meat at the gathering.
Key Points
Trichinosis outbreak traced back to consumption of undercooked bear meat
Symptoms included fever, myalgias, and periorbital edema
Family members from multiple states affected
Prompt action taken to advise discarding remaining meat and report cases to health departments
Pros
Prompt investigation and diagnosis by the CDC
All six affected family members recovered
Cons
Hospitalization of three out of the six sick family members