NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on a report earlier this month, health officials from Córdoba province are reporting 46 new cases of trichinosis in different parts of the province. The cases were reported in the city of Córdoba (37), Santa Rosa de Calamuchita (5) and Deán Funes (4).

Image by Koen One Stop Map from Pixabay

This brings the total to 59 cases reported in recent weeks in the province.

At the moment, the origin of the food could not be established, while the investigations carried out by the Zoonosis Division of the Ministry of Health of the province and the Epidemiology and Food Quality staff of the Municipality of Córdoba continue. In these cases, the consumption of salami and chorizo ​​was verified, without brand identification.

The patients received care in different health centers and are assisted on an outpatient basis. In addition, the authorities recommended that in the presence of symptoms it is necessary to go immediately to a health center. Initially, health authorities warn the symptoms can be confused with the flu or Covid-19.

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.