The cyst form is part of the parasite's life cycle in which the tissue is eaten and the parasite is passed on to the next animal. Humans are an end host for the parasite because T. spiralis encysted in human muscle will never be eaten. During migration of the larvae through tissue, the infected person often develops swelling in the face and around the eyes. Wild animals, especially carnivores or omnivores should be considered as a reservoir for roundworm infestation. There is no specific treatment for trichinosis once the larvae have invaded the muscles.
Analgesics can relieve the muscle pain .
Severity of trichinosis depends on how heavily the individual is infested. Light infestations may go unnoticed. Heavier infestations may cause severe symptoms. Very heavy infestations may result in heart failure . These are photomicrographs of Trichinella spiralis in human muscle tissue.