4,000 University Students Test Positive For Liver Fluke

Thailand's Public Health Minister announced that a new urine-based screening method detected liver fluke infections in 4,000 freshmen at Mahasarakham University. The minister emphasized that positive urine tests must be confirmed through stool samples to definitively diagnose the parasitic infection, and urged residents to eat thoroughly cooked food to reduce risk.

At a press conference at Government House on July 7, 2025, Public Health Minister Pattana Prommaphan addressed the liver fluke outbreak situation in Maha Sarakham province following the discovery of infections among new university students. He explained that while traditional screening involves stool sample analysis to detect parasite eggs, the current testing uses a newer urine-based method similar to ATK rapid tests that offers greater sensitivity than conventional stool examination.

According to the minister, Thailand experiences relatively high rates of bile duct cancer, and cases have not declined as anticipated, prompting the need for more comprehensive screening efforts. However, urine-based test results must be confirmed through stool analysis to definitively confirm liver fluke infections.

When asked about oversight of food vendors and restaurants near the university, the minister stated that the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Health held a meeting to develop plans and issued directives to Maha Sarakham provincial health authorities. The ministry has previously conducted campaigns promoting consumption of well-cooked food and avoiding raw food items, and urges the public to be cautious about food sources and purchase from reliable vendors.

The outbreak has affected approximately 4,000 freshmen at Mahasarakham University, with provincial authorities ordered to inspect som tam shops and other food establishments.