[An outbreak of trichinosis in Huerta del Marquesado (the Cañete-Cuenca basic health area). December 1992 to January 1993].

Abstract

Background: A trichinellosis outbreak was investigated (December 1992-January 1993). It occurred in the village of Huerta del Marquesado among people who consumed sausages made with pork, meat. The aim of this study is to show the consequences of consuming meat without a sanitary control on human health.

Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Information was obtained using a standardized questionnaire for Foodbornes. A descriptive study was done and the relationship between the intake of sausages and disease was also investigated.

Results: 19 cases were reported, median frequency: 11 of January. The outbreak lasted 21 days. The mean incubation period was 26.47 days (SD 4.45 days). Most frequent symptoms were fever, myalgia, eyelid's edema. The age of the patients varied from 5 to 65 years old, being the mean 33 years old. Proportionally more women than men were diseased (58%). No cases died or were hospitalized. A significant statistic association was show between trichinellosis and intake of sausages (OR = 54; 95% Confidence interval 3.1- 2622.43; p < 0.0006). Trichinella spiralis larvae have been shown in samples of the pork meat which had been eaten.

Conclusions: The disease did not last excessively and was not too severe, which suggest a low parasite density. After the laboratory confirmation the meat was confiscated and destroyed. The outbreak was controlled with the active collaboration of the public health veterinarians.