Parasite surveys were conducted at Ban Mae Lah, Tha Song Yang District,
Tak Province, Thailand in December 2013 and February 2014. A total of
343 fecal samples were collected to identify parasite infections. We report
an accidental finding of Paragonimus spp. eggs in the feces of an asymptomatic
74-year-old female Karen patient. Her stool was separated and preserved in 95%
alcohol for species identification by PCRtechnique.Theresults showed a band reacting
to Paragonimus heterotremus. She reported a history of eating semi-cooked or dry
waterfall crabs while fishing in mountain streams far from the village a long time ago.
30 waterfall crabs were collected from this stream and examined for Paragonimus
metacercariae; all were found negative. Paragonimiasis remains a prevalent health
problem in some rural areas of Thailand. With asymptomatic patients, a careful interview
about past eating habits is very important, together with laboratory investigations to
identify the infective agent specifically. A health education program was implemented
in the village to help prevent Paragonimus and other helminth infections.