More Than 4,000 Thai Students Test Positive for Liver Fluke Infections
More Than 4,000 Thai Students Test Positive for Liver Fluke Infections
BANGKOK, 8 July 2026 — More than 4,000 first-year university students in Thailand’s Maha Sarakham province have tested positive for liver fluke infections, prompting authorities to order inspections of som tam shops amid concerns over the consumption of raw fermented fish.
Provincial health officials announced on 6 July that more than 4,200 first-year students at Mahasarakham University had tested positive for liver flukes. Another 380 first-year students at Rajabhat Mahasarakham University were also reportedly found to be infected.
According to Khaosod, Maha Sarakham Governor Chumpit Decharat ordered immediate inspections of som tam shops across the province following the findings.
Health authorities suspect the infections could be linked to the consumption of raw or improperly prepared fermented fish, known locally as plara, which is commonly used as an ingredient in som tam and other northeastern Thai dishes.
Officials said liver fluke eggs or parasites may be present in contaminated food and have urged vendors and consumers to use properly cooked fermented fish to reduce the risk of infection.
The provincial administration is also preparing to introduce food safety certification for shops that comply with health guidelines, including the proper preparation and cooking of fermented fish products.
In response to the large number of infections, provincial authorities plan to launch an education campaign targeting schoolchildren, university students and food vendors.
The campaign will focus on improving food preparation standards, encouraging safer eating habits and raising awareness of the health risks associated with consuming raw or improperly prepared freshwater fish products.
Thai health officials warned that untreated liver fluke infections can cause serious long-term health problems. Chronic infection is associated with an increased risk of bile duct cancer, which may develop 15 to 20 years after infection.
Authorities are urging residents, particularly young people, to change risky eating habits and consume only properly cooked food as efforts continue to prevent further liver fluke infections in the province.
