Since the beginning of 2025, Hue City has recorded 31 cases of Streptococcus suis infection, including 1 death and many severe cases requiring intensive treatment at Hue Central Hospital. The disease commonly starts with symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea, bone and joint pain, and can lead to purulent meningitis, sepsis, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. 1
Main routes of transmission include:
- Direct contact with infected pigs or raw or undercooked pork, especially in dishes like blood pudding (tiet canh) or undercooked intestines.\
- Open wounds during slaughtering or pork processing.\
- Excessive alcohol use, which weakens the immune system, and unsafe eating habits.
Recommended prevention measures:
- Buy pork from certified sources and avoid meat with abnormal signs.
- Cook pork thoroughly; do not eat raw blood pudding, undercooked meat, or meat from dead pigs.
- Wear gloves when handling raw meat and maintain the hygiene of cooking utensils.
- Do not slaughter or transport sick or dead pigs; ensure proper disposal.
- Strengthen surveillance, ensure early detection, and seek timely medical care.
Streptococcus suis infection remains a real public health threat, especially during the hot summer months. Each person should stay vigilant and strictly follow preventive measures to protect their health and that of the community.
Compiled and edited by: Le Minh Dat, MD, Msc (email: lmd@vpha.org.vn)
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References:
1. Báo Sức khoẻ Đời sống. Thêm bệnh nhân ở Huế mắc liên cầu lợn nguy kịch, yếu tố nguy cơ gây nhiễm bệnh là gì? Accessed Ngày 08 tháng 07, 2025. https://suckhoedoisong.vn/them-benh-nhan-o-hue-mac-lien-cau-lon-nguy-kich-yeu-to-nguy-co-gay-nhiem-benh-la-gi-169250708114533537.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com