Minnesota, South Dakota Family Sickened with Worms From Bear Meat

Family members of families from Minnesota and South Dakota got brain worms from eating bear meat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report reveals that nine family members from Minnesota, South Dakota, and Arizona contracted a parasitic infection after consuming undercooked bear meat kebabs during a family gathering in South Dakota.

The bear meat was harvested in northern Saskatchewan by one of the family members and stored in a freezer for over a month before being prepared.

Although instructed by a hunting outfitter to freeze the meat to kill parasites, the larvae and worms present were freeze-resistant.

During the gathering, the bear meat was grilled alongside vegetables but accidentally served undercooked.

After initial consumption, the meat was recooked and served again. Even family members who claimed to have only eaten vegetables were affected, suggesting cross-contamination.

Doctors diagnosed them with Trichinellosis, a roundworm infection caused by consuming raw or undercooked meat contaminated with the parasite Trichinella.

Family members ranging in age from 12 to 62 years old were ultimately diagnosed with the worms.

Three required hospitalization and treatment with the anti-parasitic medication albendazole. Six individuals experienced symptoms, but all recovered, according to health officials.

Tests conducted on the leftover bear meat confirmed the presence of Trichinella larvae.

According to the Mayo Clinic once inside the human body, the larvae can migrate to muscle tissue and organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and spinal cord.