Given the growing number of cases of trichinosis (26 suspected and 8 confirmed) in towns in the
interior of Santa Fe
, there are many doubts that appear regarding this disease.
What is trichinosis
Foodborne Illnesses (ETAS) are contracted by
eating contaminated food
.
One of the best known, caused by pathogenic microorganisms, is precisely Trichinosis, explained food engineer Érica Pitaro Hoffman, agronomist Daniela Crimer, and food technician Mariana Al in a recent Clarín article.
This disease is caused by the presence of a
parasite
that lives in pork and has not been completely destroyed by poor cooking.
In Argentina, the main source of infection is pork.
Photo Shutterstock.
The official website of the Ministry of Health of the Nation indicates that it is "a disease caused by a
worm-shaped
parasite that is lodged in the muscles of pigs and other wild animals, such as wild boar and puma."
In an article from the Mayo Clinic it is stated that “trichinella larvae travel from the small intestine through the bloodstream
to bury themselves in muscle tissue
”.
Likewise, they clarify that it is not spread from person to person, but that contagion occurs
accidentally
by eating food such as meat or meat derivatives, raw or undercooked, that contain live parasite larvae.
"In Argentina, the main source of infection for humans is the domestic pig, although there are also others, such as wild boar or puma," he says.
How to prevent it
In this sense, and as recommended by the Santa Fe Ministry of Health, the food specialists cited in the Clarín note warn about the danger of consuming food that was prepared "
in the informal market
without any type of sanitary control, in establishments not authorized by the competent authority, since recently, there have been cases of botulism due to the consumption of homemade preserves, and cases of trichinosis due to the consumption of artisan cold cuts”, they pointed out.
This disease is caused by the presence of a parasite that lives in pork.
Photo Shutterstock.
Precisely, the best way to avoid trichinosis is not to eat contaminated food.
And the way to make sure that this happens is to buy food in
authorized premises.
“The recommendations for the general population is not to buy homemade products
on the side of the route
or roads, that it is not known where it comes from or how that product is made.
Each person who buys some food should try to identify the source of it (know where they are going to buy it and how it was made)”, warns the southern zone provincial epidemiology coordinator, Florencia Galatti, in the statement released by the ministry.
Symptoms
They recommend being attentive to the following symptoms and
going immediately
to the nearest health center, since "the earlier it is detected, the faster and more effective the cure".
Fever,
muscle pains,
diarrhea,
vomiting,
eyelid swelling,
itch.
Finally, the member of the Epidemiology team of the Ministry of Health of Santa Fe, precisely highlights
bipalpebral edema
(swelling at eye level) as a characteristic symptom.
Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, and swollen eyelids are the most common symptoms.
Photo Shutterstock.
"If they live in the mentioned towns, they should
be aware
that it may be a case of trichinosis, either because the person belongs to the social group of the patients being studied or because they have eaten pork or derivatives," he says.
Treatment
The official website of the national Ministry of Health notes that while there are medications that can be used to treat recent infection,
there is no specific treatment
for trichinosis once the larvae invade the muscles.
"The cysts last for years," they warn.
They recommend not consuming cold cuts that have not gone through the corresponding health controls.
Photo Shutterstock.
Meanwhile, pain relievers can help relieve muscle pain.
"Trichinosis usually improves on its own - indicates the Mayo Clinic article - In cases with a mild or moderate number of larvae, most signs and symptoms usually disappear in a few months."
“However -he continues-, fatigue, mild pain, weakness and diarrhea can persist
for many months or years
.
Infection with a large number of larvae can cause more severe symptoms that require immediate treatment.
Prepare for consultation
Finally, the Mayo Clinic recommends making these consultations in case a patient is diagnosed with trichinosis.
What could be the cause of my symptoms or my condition?
What are other possible causes?
What tests do I need to do?
Is my condition likely to be temporary or chronic?
What is the best plan of action?
What are the alternatives to the main approach that you indicate?
I have other medical conditions.
How can I control them together?
Is there a generic alternative to the medication you are prescribing?
Is there a brochure or other printed material that I can take with me?
What websites do you recommend?
***
➪ Do you have any questions about health and well-being that you would like us to address in section notes?
Enter the Clarín Help Center by clicking here, enter
Message to the newsroom
and then
Questions to Buena Vida
.
Write us your query and send.
Ready!
look also
Heartburn: 5 Tips to Ease It (and When to Worry)
Irritable bowel, bloating, constipation: almost half of Argentines suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders
