During July 2016-May 2017, the Alaska Division of Public Health investigated two outbreaks of trichinellosis in the Norton Sound region associated with consumption of raw or undercooked walrus meat. Five cases were identified in each of the two outbreaks.

First outbreak - Five members of an extended family consumed raw or pan-fried to medium doneness walrus meat on July 17, 2016. All five consumed walrus meat from the same animal. Three were laboratory confirmed and two were classified as probable cases. All five recovered.

Second outbreak - Five members of a community in the Norton Sound region shared a meal of undercooked walrus meat on approximately April 25, 2017. All five who were from neighboring households became ill. Two patients were laboratory confirmed with Trichinella and 3 were classified as probable cases. All patients in this outbreak recovered.

There was no leftover meat available for testing in either outbreak.