Trichinosis Outbreak Alert in Cordoba

ARGENTINA - Seven cases of trichinosis have been reported in the city of Cordoba. The source of infection is thought to be infected dry salami made from meat that had not been inspected. Pork is the main source of foodborne disease outbreaks.

9 November 2010

3 minute read

South America

An outbreak of trichinosis cases has been reported in the city of Cordoba, according to ProMED Mail.

This was confirmed by the Cordoba Ministry of Health, which reported on the situation through its Epidemiology Unit and warned of the dangers of consuming or buying pork of dubious origin or without the corresponding health inspection.

So far, seven cases of this disease have been reported in people from Cordoba city, the Capital of the Department [State] who are being treated in different hospitals of the city.

A report released by the Ministry of Health states that "according to investigations, a common link between the cases was established in that they all ate dry salami purchased in various commercial areas in the Barrio Santa Isabela 1st Section, Pueyrredon, Zumaran, and the city centre.

"The investigation and appropriate control measures are being conducted jointly by professionals from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, and the municipality of Cordoba through the Directorate of Food Quality and reporting to Senasa [National Food Safety and Quality Service] and the Ministry of Agriculture."

It has also been reported that the infection was transmitted by sausages and it is well known that trichinella will survive in meat used in sausages whether dried, cured or smoked. Most probably, the meat was used for consumption without the regulatory investigations for trichinella and thus used illegally for human consumption.