Longest parasite in Thailand
While it is common to find parasites in a living human body, it is not everyday that you find one that is as long as a bowling lane.
On 21st March 2021, the Parasitic Research Centre announced that they had found a tapeworm that’s over 18 metres long in the stool delivered by a participant of the free service in Nong Khai. After running through their data, the clinic claimed that it is the longest that they have encountered in the last 50 years.
Roots in fresh meat
Just a few days ago at the Parasitic Research Centre’s Nong Khai mobile unit, a tapeworm under the name of ‘Taenia saginata’ was retrieved from a local who came in for the free checkup service. After the examination, the local was prescribed Niclosamide before they were allowed to go back home, according to Matichon.
Image credit: ศูนย์วิจัยโรคปรสิต Parasitic Disease Research Center
It was just another case of “take some Niclosamide and it’ll pass”, until the personnel discovered later that the length of the tapeworm exceeds 18 metres.
Image credit: ศูนย์วิจัยโรคปรสิต Parasitic Disease Research Center
The story was then posted to the research centre’s Facebook page with additional information that points to raw beef as the source of the tapeworm. The parasite in focus is also said to be able to live up to thirty years in the human body.
However, since it’s a common practice here in Thailand to take antiparasitic drugs yearly, never once before was there a worm this long breaking the 50-year-record – making us wonder how long this tapeworm has been this person’s body.
Image credit: ศูนย์วิจัยโรคปรสิต Parasitic Disease Research Center
It is indeed news, which is why the netizens are inquiring and absorbing information endlessly right now on the post to prevent another 18-metre headline.
Second thoughts on raw meat
While eating raw meat is a kind of delicacy that many enjoy. It is news like this that reminds us that it is also important to consider a little more on what we are going to put into our mouths.
Here’s what else is going on in Thailand:
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- Pattaya Just Opened A New Onsen Resort & It’s Only ~$80/Night
Cover images adapted from: ศูนย์วิจัยโรคปรสิต Parasitic Disease Research Center
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