Experts remind Krasnoyarsk residents about dangerous parasites in fish for the New Year's table

As the New Year holidays approach, experts remind us of a serious health threat that may be hidden in traditional fish delicacies. This was reported by the Krasnoyarsk branch of the CSC AIC.

The causative agent of the disease is a parasite – the Siberian fluke, which is widespread in Russia from the European part to the banks of the Yenisei. Particularly large foci of infection are observed in the Ob and Irtysh rivers. The parasite enters the human body by eating dried, lightly salted, cold smoked, frozen or raw fish.

“Visual inspection does not always help determine the presence of parasites in a product—infected fish may look absolutely normal,” experts note.

Once in the body, the worm affects the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. Long-term infection can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and even cancer.

With the holiday season approaching, when the liver is already under increased stress from fatty foods and alcohol, the risks are particularly high.

Experts call sanitary and parasitological examination the only reliable protection.