Fever
Experiencing fever is a common occurrence during the progression of trichinosis. After the initial asymptomatic period of two to eight weeks, the body starts to feel feverish and unstable. This is a natural response of the immune system, which unfortunately cannot eliminate the Trichinella invaders at this stage. As the worms gradually invade the muscle tissue, the intensity of the fever increases.
While fever caused by trichinosis is not a cause for immediate concern, it does contribute to the overall feeling of weakness and lethargy that accompanies the disease. Partial treatment can help slow down and reduce the fever, but complete eradication of the disease is necessary to fully eliminate the fever.
Muscle Itching: A Bizarre Sensation
When adult worms start their journey through the arteries and muscles, they generate friction beneath the skin, resulting in an unusual phenomenon known as muscle itching. This peculiar sensation compels the affected individual to incessantly scratch the itchy area, without experiencing any relief regardless of the intensity of their scratching. Curiously, while the act of scratching may not alleviate the itch, the person’s brain provides a superficial sense of satisfaction as the same area is being scratched.
As these worms reach their intended destinations and begin to encyst, this perplexing process triggers initial itching sensations. Since superficially scratching the skin provides little relief, a more effective approach would be to attempt muscle scratching by flexing the affected muscles.