A Trichinella britovi outbreak in the Northern Alps of France: investigation by a local survey network

Abstract

We describe a small family outbreak of trichinellosis caused by the consumption of raw ham from a wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunted in the northern Alps of France in February 2022. Out of the six people, aged 3–69 years, who consumed the meat, three were confirmed cases, and three were suspected cases. Eosinophilia detected in four people was the hallmark that drove the diagnosis. Three patients presented with myalgia, two with intense and prolonged chest pain, and one with elevated troponin. One patient presented with dermographism during treatment. Anti-Trichinella IgG were detected in three symptomatic individuals after about ten weeks. One patient had negative serology and no symptoms, but was on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Trichinella britovi larvae (8.3 larvae/g) were detected in the wild boar meat remnants. Trichinellosis is rare in France, but this family outbreak is reminiscent of the circulation of this pathogen in wild animals, highlighting the need to inform hunters about the risk of infection linked to the consumption of raw meat of game animals, and about the need for veterinary inspection of game meat. The consumption of raw meat outside controlled circuits is a practice not devoid of risks, which justifies raising the awareness of hunters, doctors, and medical biologists.