Ministry of Public Health scrambles to decrease number of Opisthorchiasis and bile duct cancer patients

BANGKOK, 23 June 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health is scrambling to decrease the number of Opisthorchiasis and bile duct cancer patients under a 10-year plan.

Public Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Sophon Mekthon said that Opisthorchiasis caused by the liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini; OV) is the most common food - borne trematode infection in Asia and the infection poses serious public health problems in Thailand and neighboring countries.

It has been estimated that at least seven to nine million people in Thailand have been infected by this parasite and it could possibly become a bile duct cancer, he said.

He said consumption of foods native to the northeastern region such as fermented fish, fermented sausages and raw seafood salads could possibly cause bile duct cancer as these foods are often eaten undercooked or even raw.

The early symptoms of the cancer are a loss of appetite, bloated stomach, constipation, fatigue, loss of weight, low-grade fever, pain on the right side, yellowing of the body and the eyes, distending of the stomach, and swelling of both legs. If left untreated over a long period of time, the symptoms might possibly develop into liver cancer and finally become fatal.

He warned that food should be consumed only when cooked thoroughly to avoid the parasites which could possibly cause cancer. If such symptoms are detected, consumers are urged to seek medical attention.

-- NNT 2016-06-23

9 million sufferers!

You would think there would be some major campaign to educate people. Can you imagine the cost to the health care system. Not to mention the physical trauma and suffering of millions.

Mai pen rai until you die!