More than 90% of popular freshwater fish in Southern California are carrying human-infecting parasites, researchers say. This poses a significant danger for those who like to eat freshly caught freshwater fish. But there are ways to protect yourself. The parasites are called trematodes. Two species of the flatworms were discovered in California’s freshwater fish, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The tiny, flattened and sluglike creatures can cause gastrointestinal problems, weight loss and lethargy when a person eats an infected fish. In some rare and severe cases, the parasites have caused strokes or heart attacks. … In fact, even when a person has fallen ill from a locally caught infected freshwater fish, their healthcare provider will typically ask if the patient has recently traveled outside of the United States, Hechinger said.

Related articles:

• The Hill: California freshwater fish carrying invasive parasitic worms: Study
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography: News release: Freshwater fish in U.S. carry introduced human-infecting parasites
• The Independent (London, U.K.): California fish carry human-infecting parasites that can cause stroke or heart attack, researchers find