Trichinosis epidemiology and demographics

Worldwide, an estimated 10,000 cases of trichinosis occur every year.^[1] Trichinosis is rare in developed countries, but it is still common in developing countries.

• Worldwide, an estimated 10,000 cases of trichinosis occur every year.
• During 2008–2012, a total of 90 cases of trichinosis were reported in the USA.
• In the USA, the average of trichinosis is approximately 15 cases per year.^[1]

• The mortality rate of trichinosis is approximately 0.2% worldwide.^[2]

• Trichinosis most commonly affects individuals 30 to 39 years of age.^[3]
• Although infections also occur in children and adolescents, the predominance of infection in adults probably results from culture-driven food behavior.
• Improperly cooked or prepared meat dishes may be more commonly eaten at adult-oriented events, especially among alcohol consumers.^[4]

• Men are more commonly affected with trichinosis than women.^[3]

• There is no racial predilection to trichinosis.

• In the US and EU, the overall incidence of trichinosis is low given the improved pig-raising practices in the pork industry, commercial and home freezing of pork, and public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked meat products.
• The number of cases associated with raw or undercooked wild game meats has remained relatively constant over time.^[1][5][6]

• Trichinosis is common in developing countries where meat fed to pigs is either raw or undercooked.^[7]
• In South America, outbreaks in Argentina are common.
• Incidence data from developing countries are limited.
• In Asia, the majority of the outbreaks were reported from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and the northern mountainous regions among the indigenous people who practice free-roaming pig husbandry.^[4]