Thai experts warn against eating raw meat after tapeworm case
Thailand’s medical experts have issued a warning following a recent case of beef tapeworm infection linked to consuming “Soi Ju,” a Thai dish made from raw minced beef.
Dr Natkaphat Rattanapithun, consultant at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre and chairman of FMC Medical Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, confirmed the infection. He explained that the parasites, medically known as “cysticercus,” originate from small, white cysts in raw beef or pork. These cysts can survive digestion, allowing tapeworms to attach to the small intestine and grow.
Beef tapeworms can reach lengths of 5–10 meters, while pork tapeworms typically grow to 2–4 meters. Symptoms include bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, anaemia, and diarrhoea.
The case gained widespread attention after being highlighted on social media, including the “Lab Panda” medical page. Experts are urging the public to avoid raw meat dishes as cases of parasite-related infections continue to rise in Thailand.
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