Liver fluke

[reader]

From NHK Newsline

 

Every year, roughly 17,000 people in Thailand die from a rare bile duct cancer. The World Health Organization says this is caused primarily by a popular food in the Mekong region.

 

Chop raw fish, add lime juice, mix with herbs and a dash of spice. That’s all it takes to make a favorite dish in northeastern Thailand, “koi pla.” But this beloved meal actually comes with a high risk of parasites that have taken many lives over the years.

 

It's called a liver fluke, and it can be found in freshwater fish in the Mekong region, such as carp. Once ingested, flukes can survive in bile ducts for over 20 years, and cause inflammation. If left untreated, it can develop into a fatal cancer.

 

In Thailand's northeastern region, locals catching fish in nearby rivers and ponds is a common sight. 3 years ago, doctors gave health checks in this village to residents over 40 years old. Out of about 1000 people, 400 had liver flukes. "We've been eating raw fish for as long as I can remember, and over generations," says a local who was affected.

 

Continues with video

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/editors/1/belovedthaidishposes/

[traveller123]

I have warned my partner many times about this.

Does he listen - what do you think ha ha

[kokopelli]

Yes, liver flukes are a serious concern. The sister of by bf died of this condition when she was in early 40s.  However people are addicted to this fish concoction and won't stop eating it. 

[vinapu]

  However people are addicted to this fish concoction and won't stop eating it. 

Indigenous way to reduce overpopulation I guess