Man discovers 3-metre tapeworm after rating raw meat

A recent surprising incident saw a man discovering a 3 metre long parasite in his bathroom. A local medical expert provided more information on the case, answering questions about consuming raw food and warning about the risks.

Yesterday, a Facebook user named “Soamnoi Toyfun” shared images of a long parasite found in his bathroom, explaining that he never thought this could happen to him as he was a fan of eating raw food. He was stunned by the nearly 3 metre long worm, wondering how it could have made its way into his stomach.

Subsequently, a renowned medical technician, Thanphakphum Dechkasdin, joined the discussion through his Facebook page “Doctor Lab Panda,” adding more details and raising awareness about the parasite issue. Dechkasdin shared that this was a tapeworm that came out of the man’s bottom. It likely originated from the consumption of pork or beef containing tapeworm cysts, which may appear like small, clear white, water-filled sacs similar to sago pearls.

The transmission of the parasite could occur if people accidentally eat it or ingest cyst-contaminated ‘soi chud’ (similar to Thai beef tartare), ‘larb’ (a sort of Thai minced meat salad), ‘lu’ (a raw Thai soup), or uncooked, fermented sausage. Upon digestion, the tapeworm larvae will break free from the cysts and gradually grow into adult worms, attaching themselves to the intestinal walls. Symptoms of hosting a mature tapeworm may include bloating, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and anaemia.

Even those who avoid eating undercooked meat are not entirely risk-free, as tapeworm eggs can also be present in raw vegetables. This may occur if the vegetables have been exposed to manure containing tapeworm eggs originating from pig faeces. Thus, if the vegetables are not properly cleaned, the tapeworm larvae can enter the body, penetrate the intestinal walls, and spread into the bloodstream, potentially leading to cysts throughout the body’s organs.

Dechkasdin emphasised the importance of being cautious with raw or undercooked food consumption with a final reminder…

“Please don’t ask me again if it’s risky to eat undercooked food. Remember this – I’ve warned you many times: whether it’s cooked or uncooked, it means raw!”

This revelation serves as a reminder to be vigilant about one’s food choices and preparation practices to avoid any potential harm from such parasites. Eating raw meats and improperly cleaned vegetables could pose significant health risks; therefore, it is crucial to take necessary precautions by thoroughly cooking and cleaning one’s food.