On 14/9, the Hanoi Department of Health reported a patient who began experiencing symptoms on 23/8. Admitted to Ha Dong Hospital, the patient tested positive for streptococcus suis bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient reported frequent consumption of pork offal and nem chua (fermented pork roll) with alcohol throughout August.

This marks Hanoi's 9th case of streptococcus suis infection this year, including one fatality. The number of cases has risen compared to the same period last year.

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it transmits from animals to humans. There's no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Most infections are linked to slaughtering, consuming tiet canh (raw blood pudding), or undercooked pork products. Some cases occur without consuming tiet canh or involvement in slaughtering, possibly due to consuming undercooked pork from infected pigs or bacterial contamination through skin abrasions during food preparation.

Severe cases can rapidly progress to septic shock, circulatory collapse, hypotension, severe coagulopathy, purpura fulminans, embolism, multiple organ failure, coma, and death.

Currently, there's no vaccine for streptococcus suis in humans. Health authorities recommend consuming only thoroughly cooked pork and avoiding tiet canh and other undercooked pork dishes. When handling raw pork, using protective gloves is advised to prevent infection, especially if there are cuts on the skin. If symptoms like high fever, headache, or nausea appear, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition to streptococcus suis, the Hanoi Department of Health has also reported an increase in other infectious diseases, including dengue fever, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and measles. Dengue fever is particularly prevalent, with 190 cases across 80 wards and communes, a 29-case increase from the previous week.

The Hanoi Department of Health anticipates a potential surge in some infectious diseases due to fluctuating weather conditions and increased travel during upcoming events and holidays. Surveillance data also reveals high mosquito indices, indicating a high-risk period for disease outbreaks.

Le Nga