2016-2017 Outbreak of Trichinellosis Linked to Consumption of Privately Raised Raw Boar Meat, California

California public health officials investigated an outbreak of trichinellosis among persons who attended a private celebration on December 28, 2016. Several pork dishes were served, including larb, a traditional Laotian raw pork dish. The event hosts reported that the pork meat had come from a domesticated wild board raised and slaughtered on their private family farm in northern California. Ten laboratory confirmed cases and 2 probable cases of trichninellosis were identified among the 36 potentially exposed individuals. Onset dates ranged from December 28, 2016 to January 23, 2017. Nine patients were hospitalized including 2 persons who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Consumption of larb was statistically associated with trichinellosis, with an attack rate of 100% and a relative risk of 3.33 (95% confidence interval = 1.29-8.59). No other meat dishes were associated with illness.

Overview

Outbreak began:December 2016
Affected country:US
States/territories:CA
Pathogen:Trichinella
Vehicle(s):Wild boar
Location(s):Private party
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:12
Number hospitalized:9

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents