Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?

Eating undercooked pork in barbecue?

When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later discover it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1.
Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2.
Is the prevalence of tapeworm disease high in Taiwan? Should I consider preventive medication? The pictures of tapeworm disease online are quite alarming, and I'm very worried.
Thank you for your response.

88, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/24

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

1.
According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhao-xi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat.
Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh.
After examination at Min-Sheng Hospital in Taoyuan, it was discovered that the lump was caused by the ingestion of raw pork, which led to the entry of the pork tapeworm into his body.
The larvae of the tapeworm migrated into his thigh's striated muscle, forming a four-centimeter cystic mass.
Dr.
Chen Tai-chi, the attending surgeon, stated yesterday that it was "a blessing in disguise" that the parasite had not migrated to the brain.
After undergoing surgical removal, Peng Zhao-xi remarked, "I won't dare eat raw pork again." The 31-year-old has worked as a truck driver and cargo handler in Taoyuan and Taipei County.
He mentioned that indigenous people often enjoy eating raw wild boar meat.
In the past one to two years, he had hunted wild boar in the mountains of Hualien, slaughtered them, and consumed them raw, particularly enjoying the back and leg meat.
Over a month ago, he noticed a painless hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh and sought medical attention, fearing it might be a tumor.
Dr.
Chen performed an ultrasound examination and found an approximately four-centimeter oval cystic mass within the muscle layer of the left thigh.
After removal and biopsy, it was revealed to be caused by cysticercosis due to the pork tapeworm; such parasites were commonly seen in rural areas with poor hygiene in earlier years.
Dr.
Chen explained that the pork tapeworm is a zoonotic parasite, with humans often serving as the definitive host, where the adult worms reside in the intestines.
After entering the human body, the tapeworm lays eggs, and the hatching larvae can penetrate the intestinal wall, enter the abdominal cavity, and often reside in striated muscle, potentially migrating to the brain, eyes, or heart.
If they migrate to the brain, it could lead to hydrocephalus, and in severe cases, death; if they penetrate the eyes, it could cause retinal damage, leading to blindness.
The physician considered Peng Zhao-xi fortunate that the cystic larvae were confined to the striated muscle of his thigh, and after surgical removal and antiparasitic medication, he is now out of danger.
Dr.
Chen noted that the pork tapeworm primarily resides in pork but can also inhabit beef, sheep, and deer.
It is recommended that meat be thoroughly cooked before consumption, ideally at temperatures between 80 to 100 degrees Celsius for at least 15 minutes.
Separate cutting boards should be used for raw and cooked foods to prevent parasitic infections.
2.
Generally, infrequent and small amounts of consumption should not pose a significant risk; at most, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
The prevalence of tapeworms in Taiwan is relatively low due to effective public health measures, along with healthy farming practices and vaccination programs.
Vaccination or medication is typically unnecessary; maintaining good hand hygiene and consuming properly cooked food is sufficient.

Reply Date: 2023/04/24

More Info

Eating undercooked pork can indeed raise concerns about potential health risks, particularly regarding parasitic infections such as those caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). In your situation, where you mistakenly consumed undercooked pork thinking it was beef, it is understandable to feel anxious about the implications for your health.

1. Do You Need Medical Attention?
Generally, if you have consumed undercooked pork, it is advisable to monitor your health closely for any symptoms that may arise. Symptoms of infection from undercooked pork can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it would be prudent to seek medical attention. However, if you are currently asymptomatic, there may not be an immediate need for a visit to an infectious disease specialist. It is always better to err on the side of caution, so if your anxiety persists or if you develop any concerning symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider would be a wise decision.

2. Prevalence of Tapeworm Disease in Taiwan:
In Taiwan, the prevalence of pork tapeworm infections is relatively low compared to other regions where undercooked pork consumption is more common. Public health measures, including proper food handling and cooking practices, have significantly reduced the incidence of such infections. The risk of contracting a tapeworm from a single instance of consuming undercooked pork is generally low, especially if you do not have any underlying health conditions that might predispose you to infections.

Regarding preventive measures, it is not typically necessary to take prophylactic medication unless there is a confirmed exposure or outbreak in your area. The best prevention is to ensure that all pork is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and allowed to rest for three minutes before consuming. This temperature is sufficient to kill any potential parasites or pathogens present in the meat.

Additional Considerations:
- Symptoms to Watch For: Keep an eye out for gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. If you notice any unusual symptoms, particularly those that persist for more than a couple of days, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

- Hygiene Practices: Always practice good hygiene when handling raw meat. Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after contact with raw pork to prevent cross-contamination.

- Cooking Techniques: When preparing pork, ensure that it is cooked evenly throughout. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that the meat reaches the appropriate temperature.

In conclusion, while the consumption of undercooked pork can pose health risks, the likelihood of serious complications from a single incident is generally low, especially in areas with good public health practices. However, staying vigilant for symptoms and practicing safe food handling and cooking methods will help mitigate any potential risks. If you have ongoing concerns or develop symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Should You Seek Medical Attention After Eating Undercooked Pork?

If you discovered that the meatball you were eating was undercooked and contained raw pork, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if you start experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. Eating undercooked pork can pose a risk of foodborne il...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 35-year-old male consumed undercooked pork meatballs. It is advised to monitor for symptoms and address them if they arise. However, if there are pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes, cirrhosis, or immunosuppression, special attention should be given if symptoms o...

Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Risks and Remedies

I would like to ask the doctor, during my meal just now, I initially thought the pork had a strange texture, and later realized that the pork was undercooked. I have already eaten a lot of pieces. Will this cause a parasitic infection? If there is a parasitic infection, will it h...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is impossible to rule out parasites or pathogens without testing, and it cannot be confirmed without examination. Paying attention to food freshness and proper cooking methods is still the best approach. If you are worried, it is recommended to ...

Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?

Hello doctor, I went out for barbecue with friends during the Double Ten holiday and ate one or two pieces of pork that seemed undercooked. I read online that there is a chance of parasites. Currently, I have slight abdominal pain and had diarrhea yesterday. I'm not sure if ...

Dr. Qiu Junwei reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended to monitor your stool for the presence of any eggs or worms this week. If there are none, it is likely that there is no issue.

Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Should You See a Doctor?

Hello Doctor: Today, I prepared dinner by cooking a whole box of refrigerated pork ribs from the supermarket in soup. However, I only noticed that the last piece of rib had pink meat, which indicates that the pieces I ate earlier may not have been fully cooked. I did ensure that ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The risk of opportunity should not be significant, but please remain cautious with ready-to-eat foods.