Trichinella infection in travelers

To define the incidence of trichinosis associated with foreign travel and characterize the epidemiologic and clinical features of cases acquired abroad, all case report forms submitted to the Centers for Disease Control through state health departments and the National Morbidity Reporting System from 1975 to 1989 were reviewed. Twenty-six cases of travel-associated trichinosis were identified during that period. Most reported cases (73%) occurred between 1982 and 1987. Affected patients were more likely to have traveled to Mexico and Asian countries (65%). Reported high-risk behaviors included consumption of undercooked pork products, use of unsanitary cooking practices, and importation of potentially contaminated meat products into the United States. Trichinosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eosinophilia in travelers returning from abroad. Pretravel counseling that includes information concerning the risk of eating improperly prepared meat products may help future travelers minimize the risk of acquiring this illness.