Capillariasis

Capillariasis is a severe and potentially fatal disease in humans caused by eating raw fish contaminated with the larvae of Capillaria philippinensis and Capillaria hepatica. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and progressive wasting as the parasites damage the intestine and impair nutrient absorption. Endemic in parts of Southeast Asia where raw freshwater fish is eaten, it requires prompt medical treatment. Prevention is straightforward: cook freshwater fish thoroughly and avoid raw-fish dishes in affected regions, since the larvae do not survive proper heating.