Researchers found over 90% of freshwater game fish in San Diego County are infected with invasive parasitic worms, posing health risks to humans, wildlife, and native fish populations. Cooking fish well or freezing it for a week can kill parasites, but experts urge caution, especially with the growing trend of eating raw fish.
Source: Phys.org
Researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have found that more than 90% of popular freshwater game fish in San Diego County are infected with invasive parasitic worms that can infect humans. These parasitic worms can cause health issues in humans, including gastrointestinal distress, weight loss, and even heart attacks and strokes. The affected species include commonly caught fish like largemouth bass, bluegill, and green sunfish, which are often targeted by anglers in the region. According to The Hill, the study analyzed 84 fish across five fishing locations and identified two dangerous flatworm species—Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus. H. pumilio was detected in 93% of all fish sampled, and C. formosanus was found in 91% of the fish at two key locations.
Origin and spread of the parasites through snails
The introduction of non-native freshwater snails to North American rivers, lakes, and reservoirs has led to a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. These snails carry parasites that have become integral to local freshwater ecosystems, posing a considerable risk to humans, wildlife, and native fish populations. Since local fish populations haven’t evolved defenses against these parasites, they’re highly susceptible to infection, which can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Many consumers are unaware of the threat, especially those who catch and prepare their own fish using raw or undercooked methods. Public awareness remains low, and there is little signage or official guidance warning of the risks in areas where the snails and parasites are known to exist. These invasive snails are difficult to control or eradicate once they’ve become established. Their ability to reproduce without a mate and their tolerance for different environments make them persistent spreaders of the parasite. As a result, the parasitic worms are likely to continue expanding their range, further increasing the risk of infection and ecological damage if stronger monitoring and preventive measures are not put in place.
Experts urge caution and reporting amid the growing raw fish trend
Even though there haven’t been any confirmed cases of people getting sick in the US yet, scientists are warning people to be careful, especially since more and more people are eating raw or lightly cooked freshwater fish. A study of social media videos found that nearly 5 million views were on content showing people preparing and eating raw fish, meaning this risky habit might be more common than we thought. Ryan Hechinger, a scientist who worked on the study, said that cooking fish well or freezing it for at least a week can kill harmful parasites. But since many cases go unreported and there’s no official tracking system, we don’t really know how many people may have been infected. Researchers want these fish-related parasitic infections to be added to the list of diseases that doctors have to report. This would help health officials keep better track of the problem and take steps to protect the public.Also read| Burmese Python, 13-foot long, killed by Florida bobcat in Everglades; first recorded case
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