Possibility Of Getting Parasite By Eating Undercooked Ground Turkey Burger?

Posted on Tue, 4 Oct 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 Answered on

Sat, 9 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I ate an undercooked ground XXXXXXX burger (slightly pink on the inside) - I was wondering if there is a need to worry about the possibility of getting a parasite? Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Banait (11 hours later)

Dear,

Any under-cooked vegetable/food carries a risk of infection by bacteria/viruses or any other parasites. This is absolutely a chance occurring.

I am not sure if you are referring to cases of salmonella infection reported at various places in US in March 11.

Though these cases were associated with ground XXXXXXX burger, not everybody who had eaten it developed infection. Moreover, only 11-12 cases were reported till march (that was when i last read about it!). The illness was short lived. No loss of life.

In short, risk appears to be minor. Even if you develop infection, the illness may not be serious and will be treatable easily.

So, do not worry. Enjoy life.

Regards

Dr. Vaibhav Banait

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D