Health officials in Thailand are urgently warning the public to refrain from consuming raw or undercooked pork, as a significant outbreak of Streptococcus suis has led to hundreds of cases and two dozen deaths across multiple provinces.

According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), from January to November 2023, Thailand recorded 500 cases of Streptococcus suis infection, resulting in 24 fatalities. The majority of affected individuals reported a history of consuming raw or undercooked pork dishes, meals containing pig’s blood, or working with animals that may have been infected.

Authorities have also raised concerns about a growing trend on social media involving the consumption of raw food and alcohol, which poses a significant risk of infection.

In June 2023, Thailand hosted the International Symposium on Emerging and Re-emerging Pig Diseases (ISERPD) and an International Workshop on Streptococcus suis. During these events, experts discussed various aspects of the disease, including its epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and control, particularly with regard to its transmission to humans.

Streptococcus suis is a bacterial infection that typically remains asymptomatic in pigs. Human infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked pork, as well as fresh blood, or direct contact with infected pigs or pork products. The incubation period for the disease ranges from a few hours to five days, and symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, decreased consciousness, and hearing loss.

To prevent the further spread of Streptococcus suis, the DDC advises consumers to avoid consuming raw or undercooked pork and fresh blood. When cooking pork, it is essential to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). People are also urged to purchase fresh pork from reputable sources, practice frequent handwashing, use separate utensils for cooked and raw meat, and wear gloves when handling pork.

The outbreak underscores the importance of food safety practices and the need for public awareness about the risks associated with consuming undercooked pork and raw animal products. Thailand’s health authorities are working diligently to control and manage this outbreak to prevent further loss of life.

Source:https://ddc.moph.go.th/en/