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Mahasarakham Provincial Health Office Assures Liver Fluke Infection Is Treatable

Local07 Jul 2026 14:15 GMT+7

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Mahasarakham Provincial Health Office Assures Liver Fluke Infection Is Treatable

The Mahasarakham Provincial Health Office states there is no need for panic over "liver fluke" infection, as it is treatable, and advises on risk-reduction practices.


Regarding the news about infection, "liver fluke" After the Mahasarakham Provincial Public Health Office presented the outbreak situation in Mahasarakham Province, screening of 20,000 residents showed an infection rate of about 11%.

Meanwhile, screening of new students for the 2026 academic year found that among over 12,700 new students at Mahasarakham University, 4,233 were infected, representing 33%. At Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, screening of 1,922 new students found 380 infected cases, or 19%, as previously reported.Read the news: Orders to inspect som tam shops after over 4,000 new Mahasarakham University students test positive for liver fluke.)

On 7 Jul 2026, Dr. Hatsa Nueytong, Mahasarakham Provincial Public Health Doctor, said those suspected of liver fluke infection should not worry, as the disease is treatable, and medication is available at regular pharmacies.

The main drug used to treat liver fluke diseases, including liver and intestinal flukes, is praziquantel. Doctors calculate the appropriate dosage based on the patient’s weight to ensure effective treatment.

The provincial public health doctor stated that praziquantel costs between 100-300 baht per pack, depending on brand and seller. Treatment is highly effective, with a cure rate of 91-95% when diagnosis and medication follow medical advice correctly.

He also recommended the following guidelines for the public:

1. Cooked: Eat only thoroughly cooked fish.

2. Clean: Wash hands thoroughly before cooking, eating, and after using the toilet.

3. Sanitation: Use proper toilets and dispose of waste hygienically.

4. Screening: Those at risk should have stool and urine tests once a year.

5. Public health: Consult health officials, take medication if infected, and avoid eating raw fish.

Important facts to know

  • Drinking alcohol and eating raw fish salad do not kill the parasite.
  • Repeated liver fluke infections increase the risk of bile duct cancer.
  • Even tasting a small amount of raw fish can cause liver fluke infection.
  • Squeezing lime juice on food does not kill the parasite.