A dangerous Thai dish, Koi Pla, can lead to liver cancer with just one bite due to harmful parasites in raw fish.
Koi Pla is a well-known dish in Thailand, especially popular in the Isaan region. It consists of raw fish mixed with spices and lime.
Many people enjoy this delicacy, but recent warnings from doctors have raised serious concerns about its safety.
In particular, experts are warning that Koi Pla can be linked to a dangerous liver infection that may lead to cancer.
The most dangerous Thai dish can give you liver cancer with just a single bite
The main threat from Koi Pla is not the fish itself, but a tiny parasite called the liver fluke.
This flatworm is commonly found in freshwater fish in the Mekong River area.
The scientific name for this parasite is *Opisthorchis viverrini*.
The life cycle of liver fluke
The life cycle of the liver fluke is complicated and involves several hosts, including snails and fish.
When fish eat infected snails, the larvae of the parasite develop inside the fish.
If humans consume undercooked or raw fish that contain these larvae, they can become infected.
Once inside the human body, the liver fluke settles in the liver and feeds on bile.
This can lead to serious health issues over time.
The presence of the liver fluke can cause inflammation in the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma.
The symptoms of infection may not appear for several years, making it hard to trace the source of the problem.
An expert warns people against eating the Thai dish Koi Pla
Dr. Narong Khuntikeo, a liver surgeon in Thailand, is one of the leading voices warning about the dangers of Koi Pla.
He has personal reasons for his advocacy; both of his parents died from liver cancer believed to be caused by this dish.
Dr. Khuntikeo is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of consuming Koi Pla.
He has been working on educating local communities about the dangers of the liver fluke and its link to liver cancer.
In his efforts to combat this health issue, Dr. Khuntikeo conducts workshops and public awareness campaigns.
He collaborates with local authorities to implement safety regulations related to the preparation of raw fish dishes.
His team has traveled around Isaan, using ultrasound machines and urine tests to check for liver fluke infections.
Alarmingly, surveys revealed that up to 80% of people in some communities had infections from the parasite.
Detection and early treatment are crucial in preventing serious health issues.
Dr. Khuntikeo encourages individuals who experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive problems to seek medical help.
Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe liver conditions.
The Thai government is also taking action to address this problem.
Schools have introduced health education programs to teach children about the dangers of eating Koi Pla, raising awareness of its risks.
By educating the younger generation, authorities hope to reduce the high rates of liver cancer linked to this dish in the future.
Additionally, there have been efforts to improve sanitation practices and enforce stricter regulations regarding the preparation of raw fish.