A 62-year-old man developed a high fever, headaches, and stiff neck after eating tiet canh (raw blood pudding) and nem chua (fermented pork roll). He initially received intravenous fluids at home, which provided temporary relief, but his symptoms persisted. He was later admitted to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi with severe symptoms including high fever, vomiting, and stiff neck, all classic signs of meningitis.

On his second day at the hospital, the patient experienced hearing loss and skin discoloration. Tests confirmed streptococcus suis infection and herpes lesions around his lips, indicating a weakened immune system due to the severe infection.

After 12 days of intensive treatment, the patient's condition significantly improved. His fever subsided, cerebrospinal fluid returned to normal, and infection markers stabilized.

In another case, a 54-year-old man developed fever, chills, and headaches a week after eating raw pork offal and tiet canh. He was initially treated at a local hospital for streptococcus suis sepsis, but his condition worsened with pneumonia, leading to his transfer to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Doctors diagnosed him with streptococcus suis meningitis and sepsis, complicated by damage to his auditory nerves, causing partial or complete hearing loss.

Doctor Le Van Thieu from the hospital's infectious diseases department stated that meningitis and sepsis are typical clinical manifestations of streptococcus suis infection in humans. Hearing loss is a common and irreversible complication. Without prompt treatment, the infection can lead to septic shock and death. The patient is currently receiving intensive care.

Nem chua (fermented pork roll). Illustrative photo: Trung Nghia

Nem chua (fermented pork roll). Illustrative photo: Trung Nghia

Streptococcus suis infections can progress rapidly. Mild cases may present as sepsis and pneumonia, while severe cases can involve meningitis and hearing loss. In critical cases, the infection can cause septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

There is currently no vaccine for streptococcus suis. Doctors strongly advise against consuming tiet canh, undercooked or improperly prepared pork, and other unhygienic meat products. They also recommend avoiding handling or processing sick or potentially infected pigs without proper protective gear.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, headache, tinnitus, or nausea should seek immediate medical attention.

Thuy Quynh