Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician.
Editorial review and sources
Editorial review: osvilt.com Editorial Team
Last reviewed: July 16, 2026
This medical article is based on current public medical sources and follows the osvilt.com Medical Review Policy. It is for general information only and does not replace professional care; see our Medical Disclaimer.
Trichinosis, also called trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection linked to raw or undercooked meat from infected animals, especially pork or wild game. The page now focuses on modern symptom timing, diagnosis, treatment and food-safety prevention.
Short answer: Suspect trichinosis after raw or undercooked pork, wild boar, bear or other game meat if stomach symptoms are followed by fever, muscle pain, swelling around the eyes, rash or high eosinophils. Treatment is clinician-directed, often with albendazole or mebendazole early, and sometimes corticosteroids for severe inflammation.
What changed in this update
The article now uses the current name trichinellosis, adds the two-phase symptom pattern, and emphasizes prevention and early clinical care rather than home treatment.
Symptoms by timing
| Timing after exposure | Possible symptoms | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 days | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. | Adult worms invade the intestine. |
| 1-2 weeks or later | Fever, muscle pain, facial or eyelid swelling, conjunctivitis, rash, weakness. | Larvae migrate into muscle tissue. |
| Severe disease | Shortness of breath, chest pain, neurologic symptoms, severe weakness. | Rare complications can involve the heart, lungs or nervous system. |
Diagnosis
A clinician will ask about meat exposure, shared meals and symptom timing. Blood eosinophils, muscle enzymes, serology and public health investigation can help. People who ate the same risky meat may need assessment even if symptoms differ.
Treatment
Antiparasitic medicines such as albendazole or mebendazole are most useful early, before larvae become established in muscle. Severe systemic symptoms may require additional anti-inflammatory treatment such as corticosteroids under medical supervision.
Prevention
Cook meat thoroughly and use a food thermometer. Curing, salting, drying, smoking or microwaving meat is not reliable prevention. Freezing can help for some pork products, but CDC warns that freezing wild game may not kill all Trichinella species.
When to get medical care
Seek medical care after risky meat exposure if you develop diarrhea with fever, muscle pain, swelling around the eyes, rash, severe headache, weakness, breathing symptoms, chest pain, neurologic symptoms, pregnancy, immune suppression, or if multiple people became ill after the same meal.
FAQ
Can trichinosis spread person to person?
No. It is acquired by eating meat containing infective larvae, not by casual contact with another person.
Does freezing wild game make it safe?
Do not rely on freezing wild game. Some Trichinella species in wild animals can be freeze-resistant.
Should I take antiparasitic medicine on my own?
No. Diagnosis, timing, pregnancy status, liver issues and drug risks should be reviewed by a clinician.
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