On Oct. 10, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a 2023 presumed outbreak of trichinellosis in western North Carolina were linked to a gathering where attendees consumed undercooked bear meat, resulting in 10 probable cases.

On Nov. 29, 2023, the North Carolina Division of Public Health was alerted to a suspected case of trichinellosis in western North Carolina. The index patient experienced influenza-like signs and symptoms and facial swelling.

Trichinellosis is a rare parasitic disease; an increasing percentage of recent cases are associated with consumption of wild game meat. In severe cases, trichinellosis can result in persistent myalgia or death. Cooking wild game meat to an internal temperature ≥165°F (≥74°C) is necessary to kill Trichinella spp. parasites.