Published 5:30 pm Friday, August 21, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service Naujaat residents who have recently eaten uncooked walrus are being told to contact a health professional by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health. A walrus harvested in the community tested positive for trichinella, otherwise known as roundworm, the department stated on Aug. 21. “If you have eaten any uncooked walrus recently, and have experienced stomach pain, muscle pain, diarrhea, swollen eyelids, sweating and weakness, you may be infected with trichinella,” said Charmaine Deogracias, manager of communications for the Department of Health. Deogracias advised to test walrus before eating the meat, and if someone else has caught the walrus, ask them if it has been tested. Roundworm cannot be killed by freezing or fermenting the meat, and can only be killed when cooking it, according to Deogracias. “Any walrus could have trichinella. The department encourages and thanks those hunters who opted to have their walrus tested for trichinella,” Deogracias said. Using thoroughly washed utensils to handle uncooked walrus meat is important, the department advised. Deogracias said to avoid feeding uncooked walrus to pets.
Walrus harvested in Naujaat tests positive for roundworm infestation
