After the first case recorded in April 2023, recently, an additional case of streptococcus suis infection was reported in Krong Pak district within the province. This is an acute bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus suis bacteria, transmitted from animals to humans, primarily from infected pigs.

Doctor Pham Hong Lam, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, examines a patient with swine flu.

In early May 2023, Mr. Y.T.B, residing in Ea Knuech commune, Krong Pac district, went to attend a memorial ceremony at a relative's house in Buon Ma Thuot City. He consumed a small portion of homemade raw pork blood pudding. After eating the dish at noon, he started experiencing persistent high fever, headache, ringing in the ears, and took medication but the symptoms did not improve. On May 4th, Mr. Y.T.B was admitted to the Central Highlands General Hospital with a diagnosis of febrile infection, monitoring of mumps, and monitoring of middle ear inflammation on a background of type 2 diabetes. By May 6th, the test results showed that the patient tested positive for Streptococcus suis bacteria and was diagnosed with Streptococcus suis meningitis. Thanks to early detection and timely treatment, the disease did not pose a threat to his life, and Mr. Y.T.B's health has gradually stabilized.

Prior to this, in early April 2023, the Infectious Diseases Department of the Central Highlands General Hospital also treated a patient named P.K.T (residing in Ea H'leo district) with streptococcus suis infection.

According to Dr. Pham Hong Lam, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, the hospital has observed that the province records 5-7 cases of streptococcus suis infection annually. In just the first four months of 2023, the hospital has already received two cases.

Measures in prevention of swine streptococcus.

The disease can be directly transmitted to humans through the consumption of pork and products from diseased or infected pigs that have not been thoroughly cooked, or through contact with the pathogens through wounds or abrasions on the skin, especially for those involved in slaughtering, farming, cleaning livestock pens, and processing food.

Symptoms of swine streptococcus infection in humans typically include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, deafness, stiff neck, sensory disturbances, and diverse hemorrhages in various parts of the body. Some cases may exhibit signs of bacterial infection and gastrointestinal poisoning before showing signs of meningitis. When infected, around 60% of patients develop meningitis or septicemia, leading to fever and sepsis, which can result in death if not treated promptly. The disease has a prolonged treatment period and often leaves severe sequelae, with a high risk of death in cases of complications. If the disease is not detected early and treated promptly, patients may die, and in cases of recovery, there may be other severe long-term complications.

Dr. Pham Hong Lam advises people to be cautious of two transmission routes: ingestion and contact with the skin. The most important thing is for people to "cook thoroughly and boil their food," avoiding the consumption of raw animal blood and undercooked pork products. Those involved in animal farming and slaughtering should take precautions to prevent transmission when in contact with animals. When showing symptoms of the disease, immediate medical attention should be sought for examination and timely treatment.