This is so, the news makes an impression: 90% of California fresh water fish, caught for food purposes, contain parasites capable of infecting man too. A study by the AUC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography published on the Journal of Infectious Diseaseswhich paints a disturbing picture and warns the American health authorities against what is still a danger, if not exactly unknown, certainly underestimated.
Invasive parasites. The study analyzes 84 specimens belonging to seven different species, including the Persian Trout and the Bluegilltwo of the most caught fish (in California and beyond) for the goodness of their meat. The fish were collected in five different peach areas very popular in the San Diego County. An analysis of their meats identified, In 90% of the specimens, the presence of two different species of Trematodes, Haplorchis Pumilio And CentroStus Formosanusworm worms that cause in man Gastrointestinal problems, weight loss and lethargy and, in the worst cases, heart attacks or strokes.
An old acquaintance. These Trematodes have long been known to us humans, since they are widespread in Southeast Asia. About ten years ago, however, they also arrived in the United States, probably scrouting a passage to one of their privileged guests: an aquatic snail, Melanoides tuberculatedwhich is very invasive and spread in 17 different American states and to Puerto Rico.
Don’t panic! The study launches a clear message: not panic, because It is not difficult to eliminate these parasites – Enough Cook the fish before consuming it, or alternatively freeze it For at least a week, sufficient measures to kill the Trematodes. The problem is that not all Californian fishermen take these precautions, and it happens that they consume the still raw fish.
Disinformation. To complete the study, the authors analyzed 125 YouTube videos for a total of 5 million views: 65% of these did not even mention the need to cook the meat before eating it. It is therefore possible that the real problem related to these parasites is the disinformation via social media: in addition to fighting the Trematodes, in short, it is necessary to explain to people How to neutralize them.
