Trichinosis is a disease that is characterized by digestive disturbances, fever and mascular rigidity. Also known as trichinellosis or trichiniasis, the disease is caused by a roundworm (nematode) parasite called Trichinella spiralis. This parasite is also known as pork worm because it is found in the contaminated meat of pork and gets ingested by dogs, people and other animals when they eat raw or undercooked meat of pork. The parasite is generally present in the meat but it can be killed by properly cooking the meat.
Although T. spiralis parasite can pass through the intestinal tract and other tissues, muscle tissues are where the majority of them persist. Trichinosis is usually characterized by two phases; the initial phase (intestinal) of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea that begins one to two days after ingestion and the second phase (muscle) of muscle aches, itching, fever, chills, and joint pains that begins about two to eight weeks after ingestion.
Common signs and symptoms associated with this condition are:
Gastrointestinal upset
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Inflammation of the muscles
Muscle pain
Muscle stiffness
