Three die after eating raw pork dishes, health officials warn

The Disease Control Department is advising consumers not to eat raw or undercooked pork or pork products from animals that died of Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection, following the deaths of three out of 49 people infected with the disease.

The department reported that, as of February 10 this year, 49 people aged between 5 and 90 in 28 provinces have been infected with S. suis.

It said that all of the infected individuals are believed to have consumed dishes such as “koi,” “loo,” or “larb dip,” which contain raw pork or pig’s blood. The department added that people who are in regular contact with pigs, pork vendors, or those suffering from cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease are at higher risk of contracting the bacterial infection.

Most cases were reported in Nakhon Ratchasima, Phrae, Chon Buri, Chaiyaphum, and Surin provinces, where consuming raw or undercooked pork with liquor is common.