CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

A disease caused by ingestion of raw or insufficiently cooked meat (usually pork) containing Trichinella larvae. The disease has variable clinical manifestations including diarrhea, eosinophilia, fever, myalgia and periorbital edema. The incubation period varies between 5 and 45 days. GI symptoms may appear within a few days, whereas the systemic symptoms usually appear about 8 to 15 days after ingestion of infected meat.

1. CONFIRMED

   A clinically compatible case AND:

   • Demonstration of Trichinella larvae in tissue obtained by muscle biopsy, OR

   • Positive serologic tests for Trichinella spiralis.
     
     

   NOTE: In an outbreak situation, at least one case must be laboratory confirmed. Associated cases are defined as individuals that have shared the epidemiologically implicated meal or ate an epidemiologically implicated meat product and have either a positive serologic test for trichinellosis or a clinically compatible illness.
   
   

2. PROBABLE

   Not used
   
   

3. POSSIBLE
   
   Initially reported on the basis of clinical diagnosis, until confirmation is obtained; no possible case classifications are retained.
   
   

What should you know about Trichinellosis?