March 6, 2026

Thai health authorities caution public about consuming uncooked pork following Streptococcus suis cases

Health authorities in Thailand have alerted the public to be wary of consuming uncooked pork after 49 patients were reported to have contracted Streptococcus suis, with three deaths recorded in the first month of 2026.

The cases were found from January 1 to February 10 in 28 provinces, with patients aged from under 5 years old to 90, deputy government spokeswoman Airin Phanrit said on February 26, citing data from the Department of Disease Control.

Most of the patients were male, with the highest number of cases among people aged 60 or older, followed by 50–59 and 40–49 years.

Key risk factors included a history of consuming raw or undercooked pork or pig's blood, used in some northeastern dishes such as laab, koi or luu, and drinking alcohol together with raw pork dishes.

Also at risk are people working in pig farming or slaughtering without protective gear — especially for people with hand wounds or abrasions, Airin said.

The province with the most cases was Nakhon Ratchasima, followed by Phrae, Chon Buri, Chaiyaphum and Surin.

The public is urged to avoid eating raw or undercooked pork. Consumers should make sure the pork they buy does not come from infected pigs, and should purchase pork from certified, safe markets, Airin said.

For those working with pigs, they should wear proper protective equipment, avoid touching pigs if they have wounds, and wash hands and feet or bathe thoroughly after contact, she added.

- Bangkok Post