A medical journal recently featured the story of a previously healthy 32-year old man, who was suffering from severe abdominal pain, vomiting and fever for more than a week.
The doctors questioned this man and he revealed that he had recently eaten sushi. This led the doctors to believe that he may have a disease called anisakiasis. This disease is caused by worm parasites of the species anisakis, and they are often transmitted by eating raw, or undercooked fish or seafood.
An endoscopy was performed on the man and they found a large, worm-like parasite growing in an enflamed area of his gut. Surgeons used a special device, called a Roth net, to remove the parasite. Once this parasite was removed, the man’s condition improved immediately. 
Cases of this disease have appeared in many countries, but the disease is mainly found in Japan because the consumption of raw fish is so common in that country. A new study shows that Japan sees about 2,000 to 3,000 cases of anisakiasis per year.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. They also say that freezing fish can kill parasites.
If you are going to eat sushi, you need to carefully choose your restaurant, and check the results of their recent Health Department inspections. You also need to be very selective when you plan to eat ceviche or poke.
Are you ready to join me for a sushi dinner tonight? On second thought, let’s go and have a nice, juicy steak instead.
