Liver Fluke Disease This disease is often overlooked because early stages may show almost no symptoms, leaving people unaware they are infected. If untreated, it can cause serious harm. A major cause is consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish contaminated with parasite larvae.
Thairath Online Here is a list of 10 high-risk foods for liver fluke disease that you should be cautious of. If not cooked thoroughly, these popular Thai dishes may contain parasite larvae.
Liver Fluke Disease (English: Opisthorchiasis) is found in several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, especially in the Northeast and North regions. It is caused by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish contaminated with parasite larvae. Once inside the body, the larvae mature in the liver's bile ducts. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications such as bile duct cancer.
In its early stage, liver fluke disease usually shows no or very mild symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, abdominal fullness, or a warm feeling in the stomach, causing many to be unaware of infection. If parasite numbers increase, symptoms like loss of appetite, right upper abdominal pain, and liver enlargement may appear. If left untreated long-term, serious complications such as bile duct inflammation or bile duct cancer may develop.
The risk of liver fluke disease is linked to consuming" raw or undercooked freshwater fish "especially in areas where the parasite is endemic. Many traditional freshwater fish dishes are favorites, but if not fully cooked or heated sufficiently, they can allow the" liver fluke parasite "to enter the body through the following 10 dishes:
A popular dish made from raw or undercooked freshwater fish, posing a high risk of liver fluke larvae contamination. Even mixing with lime, chili, or herbs cannot kill the larvae. Avoid eating it raw.Larvae can still be present in the fish meat.Even when mixed with lime, chili, or herbs, the larvae are not killed. Avoid eating raw.
Eating fresh freshwater fish raw or as sashimi pieces increases the risk of liver fluke infection. The best prevention is to cook fish thoroughly before eating.Preventionis to always cook fish thoroughly before eating.
Although fermented, the process alone does not destroy all liver fluke larvae. To eat safely, always fry or cook thoroughly before consumption.If you want to consume it,always fry or cook it thoroughly beforehand.
Pla Jom is a traditional fermented fish dish often thought to be safe, but parasite larvae may still be present if contaminated freshwater fish are used. Cooking thoroughly with heat before eating reduces infection risk.If made fromcontaminated freshwater fish,it should be cookeduntil fully done before eating to reduce infection risk.
Fish Mum, made from fermented fish meat, may still contain parasite larvae if eaten without heat treatment. Grilling or frying until fully cooked reduces the risk of liver fluke disease.If consumed without heating,grilling or frying thoroughly lowers the risk of liver fluke infection.
Even when grilled or steamed, if cooked over low heat or for a short time, the fish's interior may remain undercooked. Liver fluke larvae can survive, so ensure fish is fully cooked.If not cooked thoroughly,larvae can survive. Make sure fish is fully cooked inside.
Grilled fish that is cooked only on the outside but still raw or partially cooked inside poses a liver fluke infection risk. Grill with sufficient heat until the fish is thoroughly cooked before eating.Grill with appropriate heatuntil fish is fully cooked before eating.
Many larb pla recipes use raw or lightly blanched fish meat, increasing the chance of parasite larvae presence. Strong seasonings or lime juice cannot kill the parasites, so only choose larb pla made with fully cooked fish.Adding spicy seasoning or lime juicedoes not kill parasites, so select only fully cooked versions.
Pla ra is a popular fermented fish product, but if produced under unsanitary conditions, parasite larvae may remain. Boil, stir-fry, or cook it thoroughly before consumption for safety.To be safe,boil or cook pla ra thoroughly before eating.
Some jaew bong recipes include pla ra or fermented fish. Eating it raw may risk parasite larvae infection. Choosing versions that are cooked or boiled before eating reduces liver fluke disease risk.Choosingcooked or boiled jaew bong lowers infection risk.
Liver fluke disease is dangerous if left untreated,because the parasites live long-term in the bile ducts, causing chronic inflammation.In some cases, bile ducts become blocked or infected, significantly increasing the risk of bile duct cancer, the most severe complication.
If you suspect infection with liver fluke disease, consult a doctorfor diagnosis. Doctors typically perform stool tests to detect parasite eggs and prescribe antiparasitic medication as appropriate. Patients should avoid self-medication and receive proper diagnosis and follow-up care. After treatment, avoid eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish to prevent reinfection.