Thousands Found In Routine Health Checks
More than 4,000 university freshmen in northeast Thailand have tested positive for liver flukes after recent health screenings revealed unexpectedly high infection rates. At Mahasarakham University, 4,233 of 12,733 students tested positive, an infection rate of 33%.
A nearby university reported that 19% of its students were infected, while provincial data shows approximately 11% of 20,000 residents carry the parasite.
Link to Raw Freshwater Fish Consumption
Health officials believe the infections are linked to eating raw or improperly prepared freshwater fish, including pla ra, a fermented fish ingredient commonly added to som tam and other Isaan dishes.
If freshwater fish or pla ra is not properly cooked or processed, infectious liver fluke larvae can survive and infect people who consume them. Once inside a person, these worms travel to and live in the bile ducts.
Serious Long-Term Health Risks
The World Health Organization labels Opisthorchis viverrini a Group 1 carcinogen because researchers have found clear evidence that it leads to cancer in humans. If these parasites stay in the body without treatment, they can live there for a very long time.
This creates a high chance of the infection turning into bile duct cancer 15 to 20 years later. Because about 6 million people in Thailand already carry this infection, local leaders are now making it a top priority to stop the spread.
Public Health Response and Treatment
Authorities are introducing food safety measures, including training for som tam vendors and the introduction of labels for restaurants that display signs stating, “This shop uses cooked pla ra“.
The university also aims to screen its entire population of 50,000 students and staff. Health experts note that liver fluke infections are easily treated once detected. People who regularly eat raw freshwater fish are encouraged to get a stool test, as early treatment can prevent long term complications.
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