Thousands of university freshmen in Maha Sarakham have tested positive for liver fluke infection, prompting health authorities to order inspections of somtam shops and restaurants serving pla ra across the northeastern province. Get today's headlines by email The initial results were obtained using urinary antigen test kits (UATs), a faster screening method developed in recent years, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. Stool examinations are still required to confirm the presence of the infection, known as opisthorchiasis. At Mahasarakham University, 4,233 of 12,733 first-year students tested positive, representing about 33% of those tested. At Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, 380 of 1,922 freshmen tested positive, or about 19%. Local health officials described the findings as “alarming”, noting that the average infection rate among the general population in Maha Sarakham is about 11%. They stressed the need to encourage safer eating habits to reduce future infections. In response, Maha Sarakham governor Chumpit Decharat ordered inspections of all somtam shops near the two universities, as well as restaurants using pla ra, the traditional Isan fermented fish, in their dishes. Establishments that meet food safety standards will receive a sign confirming: “This restaurant serves cooked and safe pla ra.” Dr Jade Boonyawongvirot, deputy director of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, warned that the long-term effects of liver fluke infection may not become apparent for 15 to 20 years. He said chronic infection can lead to bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, a disease that is difficult to treat and carries a high mortality rate. Dr Jade said liver fluke is a parasite commonly found in Thailand, particularly in the Northeast and North, as well as neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. He explained that the scientifically confirmed source of infection is raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Although freshwater fish are used to make pla ra, he said the fermented fish itself should not be regarded as the sole cause of the high infection rate. “If pla ra is produced to proper hygienic standards, fermented correctly and boiled before consumption, the risk is very low,” Dr Jade said. Bangkokpost reported that health authorities will continue confirming the screening results through stool testing while inspections of food outlets are carried out. Officials are also expected to continue promoting safer preparation and consumption of freshwater fish products to help reduce future infections. File image of liver fluke Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 8 July 2026
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