Undercooked Bear Meat at Family BBQ Leads to Rare Parasitic Outbreak

Six family members contracted trichinellosis, with three hospitalized, after consuming black bear meat and cross-contaminated vegetables.

The outbreak occurred after a family reunion where black bear meat was served rare before being recooked.
Trichinellosis, caused by parasitic roundworms, was confirmed in six individuals, including two who only ate vegetables cooked with the meat.
The meat, hunted in Canada and stored frozen, contained freeze-resistant Trichinella nativa larvae.
Symptoms included severe muscle pain, eye swelling, and fever, leading to hospitalization for three family members.
The CDC emphasizes proper cooking of wild game meat to prevent such infections.