The Thailand Division of Disease Control (DDC) with the Ministry of Health (MOH) is warning (computer translated) the public against eating pork that isn’t properly cooked due to the risk of Streptococcus suis infection.

Image/Chun-San via pixabay

During the first three months of 2019, health officials have reported 50 S. suis infections, including 10 fatalities.

The risk to the community is raw pork dishes mixed with raw pigs blood like spicy minced pork and spicy blood pork soup.

Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Human Streptococcus suis infection is a zoonotic infection associated with pigs. The infection can be fatal, particularly if the specific strain produces certain toxins. S. suis infection can manifest itself in meningitis, hearing impairment, toxic shock, septicemia and endocarditis.

It can be contracted either through ingesting raw pork or if it comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membrane.

To prevent the disease, members of the public are advised to always practise personal and environmental hygiene. They should avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should: Use protective gloves; Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and Clean and cover all wounds properly.

In 2018, Thailand reported 338 cases and 29 deaths.