Gokseong-gun Provides Free Medication for Intestinal Parasite Infection Positive Cases

Medication Administration at Public Health Centers, Health Branches, and Health Clinics

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-sun] Jeonnam Gokseong-gun (Governor Lee Sang-cheol) announced that free medication for liver fluke, intestinal fluke, and Metagonimus yokogawai will be provided to those who tested positive in the intestinal parasite eradication project.

Gokseong-gun is a region where various parasites, including liver flukes, have become endemic due to its geographical location in the Seomjin River and Boseong River basins. Accordingly, the intestinal parasite eradication project is carried out annually.

This year, from March to April, tests were conducted on 1,025 high-risk individuals for intestinal parasite infection across 11 towns and townships.

As a result, the intestinal parasite infection rate was found to be 8.6%.

The detected parasites included three species: liver fluke at 4.4%, intestinal fluke at 3.5%, and Metagonimus yokogawai at 0.7% infection rates.

Those who tested positive for parasites will receive free medication at public health centers, health branches, and health clinics.

Among intestinal parasites, liver fluke infection shows almost no symptoms initially but causes upper abdominal pain and fever during the acute infection phase.

In the chronic phase, it can lead to weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, and bile duct cancer.

Intestinal flukes parasitize the duodenum, stomach, and intestines, causing bleeding, ulcers, intestinal obstruction, or even directly leading to cancer.

Infection with Metagonimus yokogawai may cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

A representative from the Gokseong Public Health Center urged, “To prevent intestinal parasite diseases, please avoid eating raw freshwater fish and ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Also, please heat kitchen knives and cutting boards in hot water for more than 10 seconds before use.”

Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-sun hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.