Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

Q: Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

No; you can refer to the CDC's information： https：//www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. <br>In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. <br>Over a month ago, he developed a hard

Pork tapeworm parasite

This morning, I went to the market to buy pork (ground pork).
The vendor said the pork was freshly slaughtered.
After I brought it home and handled it, I forgot to wash my hands, but I did use alcohol to disinfect them before eating.
Is there a risk of parasitic infection in this situation? Note: I did not eat raw pork.

NNN, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/27

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

No; you can refer to the CDC's information: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g.
In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi 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 raw pork he had eaten contained the larvae of the pork tapeworm, which had invaded his body.
The larvae migrated into his thigh's striated muscle, forming a four-centimeter cystic mass.
Dr.
Chen Taiqi, the attending surgeon, stated yesterday that the fact that the parasite did not reach the brain was "a blessing in disguise." After undergoing surgical removal, Peng Zhaoxi remarked, "I won't dare eat raw pork again."
The 31-year-old Peng Zhaoxi 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 year or two, he had been hunting wild boar in the mountains of Hualien, slaughtering and consuming it raw, particularly favoring 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 his left thigh.
After surgical removal and biopsy, it was revealed to be caused by the pork tapeworm, leading to cysticercosis; this parasite was commonly seen in rural areas with poor hygiene in the past.

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, migrate into the abdominal cavity, and often inhabit striated muscle, potentially even reaching the brain, eyes, or heart.
If the larvae invade the brain, it could lead to hydrocephalus and, in severe cases, death; if they penetrate the eyes, it could cause retinal damage and even blindness.
The physician considered Peng Zhaoxi fortunate that the cystic larvae were located in the striated muscle of his thigh, and after surgical removal and treatment with antiparasitic medication, he is now out of danger.

Dr.
Chen noted that the pork tapeworm primarily infests pork but can also be found in beef, sheep, and deer.
Meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption, ideally heated to 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.
From this, it can be concluded that the pork tapeworm infection was due to accidental ingestion and frequent consumption; maintaining proper hand hygiene and consuming well-cooked food should mitigate the risk.

Reply Date: 2023/04/27

More Info

When it comes to handling fresh pork, particularly ground pork, there are valid concerns regarding the risk of infection from parasites, such as the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). However, your situation indicates that you did not consume raw pork, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Pork tapeworms are primarily transmitted through the consumption of undercooked or raw pork that contains the larvae of the tapeworm. The life cycle of the pork tapeworm involves pigs as intermediate hosts. When pigs ingest the eggs of the tapeworm, the larvae can develop within their tissues. If humans consume undercooked pork containing these larvae, they can become infected. In your case, since you did not eat raw pork, the risk of infection is minimal.

Moreover, you mentioned that you used alcohol to disinfect your hands after handling the pork. While alcohol-based sanitizers can effectively reduce the number of pathogens on your hands, it is always best practice to wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw meat. This is because soap and water can remove dirt, grease, and certain types of germs more effectively than alcohol alone. However, since you did use alcohol, you have taken a step to mitigate any potential risk.

It is also important to note that the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from handling pork is generally low if proper hygiene practices are followed. Here are some key points to consider in relation to food safety and the prevention of infections:
1. Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be a temporary substitute, but it should not replace handwashing.

2. Cooking Temperatures: Ensure that all pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and allowed to rest for three minutes before consuming. Ground pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

3. Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. This is crucial in reducing the risk of transferring pathogens from raw meat to other foods.

4. Storage: Store raw pork separately from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination. Keep it in a sealed container or wrapped securely.

5. Awareness of Symptoms: If you ever experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss after consuming pork, it is advisable to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a parasitic infection or other gastrointestinal issues.

In summary, since you did not consume raw pork and took steps to disinfect your hands, the risk of contracting a pork tapeworm infection is very low. However, maintaining good hygiene practices and cooking meat to the appropriate temperatures are essential steps in preventing any potential foodborne illnesses. If you have any further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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