Over 5,000 Champassak residents infected with liver fluke’s parasite

(KPL) The rate of infected liver fluke’s parasites of Champassak residents was reported that it was a high level.

About 5, 239 people were infected with liver fluke’s parasite in Champassak province, according to the latest survey.

The liver fluke disease also have been observed in provinces of Laos, where majority of local people usually consume uncooked fish dish like traditional food from river fish, according to a local news source quoted the Health Department of Champassak province.

Dr Viengsy Souphakdee told KPL News via telephone last Friday that the Health Department of Champassak province expressed worry about Champassak residents have not yet understood about harmfulness in liver fluke’s parasite. As it was confirmed in science way that this parasite would be very risk caused by liver cancer if the patients do not see a doctor.

He pointed that Champassak province is one of four southern provinces in Laos that faced liver fluke’s parasite due to they like to consume raw fish.
Meanwhile health official concerned reported a survey result of excrement testing found 5,239 people infected with liver fluke’s parasite out of total 10,911 people throughout Champassak province.

A report also identified that most of them, living rural areas age up to 15 years old.

The southern provinces of Champasak, Saravan, Sekong and Attapeu, their behaviours of people in this area like to consume raw fish dish as traditional and culture food. This behaviours are at risk to infection of liver fluke parasite.
"It is a good way that people in these province would change their habits and attitudes to eat raw fish, but it's very difficult and challenge," said Dr Viengsy Souphakdee who is responsible for liver fluke’s parasite research and study.