Trichinosis FAQ
What causes trichinosis?
Trichinosis is caused by consuming undercooked or raw meat that is infected with the Trichinella larvae.
What are the symptoms of trichinosis?
Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fever, and muscle pain.
How is trichinosis diagnosed?
Trichinosis is diagnosed through blood tests to detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
What are the complications of trichinosis?
Severe cases can lead to myocarditis, encephalitis, and organ damage.
Is trichinosis contagious?
Trichinosis is not directly passed from person to person. It is contracted by consuming infected meat.
How is trichinosis treated?
Treatment involves medications such as albendazole or mebendazole to kill the parasite and manage symptoms.
Can trichinosis be prevented?
Trichinosis can be prevented by cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
Is trichinosis common?
Trichinosis is rare in the UK, but occurs more commonly in regions where consuming raw or undercooked meat is common.
Can pets transmit trichinosis to humans?
Dogs and cats can become infected with Trichinella, but transmission to humans is rare and usually through consuming infected wild animal meat.
Can trichinosis affect the brain?
In severe cases, trichinosis can cause encephalitis, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fever, and neurological issues.
Is trichinosis fatal?
While rare, severe cases of trichinosis can be fatal particularly if the heart or brain are affected.
How long does it take for trichinosis symptoms to appear?
Symptoms typically appear within 1-2 days after consuming the infected meat.
Is there a vaccine for trichinosis?
There is no vaccine for trichinosis. Prevention focuses on proper cooking of meat.
Can trichinosis cause long-term health issues?
Severe cases can lead to long-term health issues such as heart and brain damage, but prompt treatment can greatly reduce the risk.
Can I get trichinosis from fish or poultry?
Trichinosis is predominantly associated with pork, although it is technically possible to get it from wild game and some other meats.
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Information provided by Maryam Abdullahi-Mahdi. Reviewed by Mr. Matthew Liew