CDC links undercooked bear meat to trichinellosis outbreak in North Carolina

The CDC reported that undercooked bear meat likely caused trichinellosis in 10 people in North Carolina. This parasitic infection leads to symptoms like muscle pain, fever, and facial swelling. Most of the affected individuals were minors, with six under 18 years old. Nine reported facial swelling, while six experienced muscle pain and four had fevers. The CDC emphasized the importance of properly cooking wild game meat to at least 165°F (74°C) to kill parasites. They noted that freezing may not be effective in preventing infection.