2011 Outbreak of Tapeworm Linked to Raw Salmon, Canada

A case of a Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense tapeworm, with an exposure in North America, was reported in a Czech tourist who ate raw Pacific Sockeye salmon in British Columbia, Canada. The case had traveled for two weeks around Canada. He most likely acquired the tapeworm from a sockeye salmon purchased on September 5 at the Fraser River. Some of the salmon were marinated, and eaten raw. About two weeks later, he suffered from abdominal distress, and a creepy feeling in his legs. On September 29, he observed proglottids (tapeworm segments) in his stool and consulted a physician. Praziquantel was prescribed and his symptoms resolved.

Overview

Outbreak began:September 2005
Affected country:Canada
Pathogen:Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense
Vehicle(s):fish
Location(s):Unknown
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:1

Sources & documents

Report / reference links