Florida Woman Develops Pneumonia from Toxoplasmosis After Eating Contaminated Deer Meat

In a shocking medical case, a 32-year-old woman from Florida suffered partially-collapsed lungs and pneumonia after contracting a deadly infection from a burger. The unidentified patient, who had been experiencing breathing difficulties and a persistent cough for 10 days, sought medical help. Initially prescribed antibiotics, her condition worsened, leading to hospitalization and the need for breathing assistance.

After eight days in the hospital, test results revealed that the woman had been infected with toxoplasmosis, a microscopic parasite that had caused pneumonia. It is believed that she acquired the infection from eating a venison burger made with deer meat she had hunted herself. The patient reported no other health issues and had not traveled outside of Florida or been around sick individuals. Furthermore, she did not own any pets.

Doctors initially struggled to diagnose the patient due to the rarity of severe breathing issues caused by this typically harmless pathogen. It wasn't until a friend of the patient mentioned her recent hunting trip to Alabama, where she had consumed the contaminated meat, that infectious disease doctors at the University of South Florida were able to connect the dots.

The patient had hunted the deer, cooked, served, and consumed the meat approximately 20 days before her hospitalization. Remarkably, none of the other individuals on the hunting trip fell ill. Testing revealed that the deer carried the T. gondii parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a rare infection that affects around 225,000 people in the US each year. While mostly causing flu-like symptoms, severe cases can lead to damage in the eyes, brain, and lungs.

Toxoplasmosis is commonly acquired through undercooked, contaminated meat, ingesting the parasite through exposure to cat feces, or consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables. The medical team treating the Florida patient highlighted the unusual nature of her case, as toxoplasmosis rarely leads to pneumonia. Roughly 5,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to toxoplasmosis, resulting in around 750 deaths.

Reflecting upon this unique case, the medical team emphasized the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach guided by a detailed medical history, particularly when conventional treatments and testing fail to yield answers. The patient's recovery and her journey serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated meat and the need for caution.