NewsDesk @bactiman63

Argentina officials report an outbreak of trichinosis in Córdoba, with 13 cases being identified to date.

Trichinella spiralis parasite
Trichinella spiralis cysts
Image/CDC

The patients received care in different health centers and are assisted on an outpatient basis.  From the epidemiological interviews carried out, in these cases the consumption of salami and chorizo ​​was identified, without brand identification, from different businesses in the city.

At the moment, the origin of the food could not be established and the investigations are carried out by the Zoonosis Division of the Ministry of Health of Córdoba, and Food Quality of the Municipality of Córdoba.

Trichinosis is a parasitic disease caused most commonly by the roundworm Trichinella spiralis. If someone ingests undercooked or raw meat with the encysted larvae, the stomach acid releases the larvae which mature to adults in the intestine.

After about a week the female starts releasing larvae which enter the bloodstream and find their way to skeletal muscle where they encapsulate.

There can be gastrointestinal symptoms mimicking acute food poisoning when there is activity of the adults in the intestine.

Sudden appearance of fever, muscle soreness and pain with swelling of parts of the face is early classic signs. This can sometimes be followed by retinal hemorrhages and other ocular signs.

With heavy infections cardiac, respiratory and neurological problems may ensue with death by heart failure being most common. The more larvae you ingest, the more serious the disease.