WITH the outbreak of Streptococcus suis (S.suis) among pig population in Phrae province having led to two persons dying and 14 others undergoing treatment the public was urged to not eat raw or undercooked pork, Amarin TV said this evening (May 6).
Pharmacist Den Panyanant, deputy director of public health in this northern province, said investigation revealed that most of the patients had slaughtered pigs themselves in their household including consuming raw or undercooked pork, especially during the recent Songkran festival.
Some patients had wounds and came into direct contact with raw pork, which is an important channel through which germs can enter the body more easily.
People in this province were urged to refrain from consuming raw or undercooked pork, such as raw larb and local food that is not cooked enough. It is recommended to cook food at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes to kill germs.
In addition, those who have wounds but still prepare food were told to avoid touching raw pork directly or wear gloves while doing so. They should also strictly separate containers, as well as cutting boards, knives and chopsticks, for raw and cooked pork.
Those who have a high fever, are vomiting, suffer from a stiff neck, or ate raw pork, should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
However, this outbreak does not appear to have affected sales at a wet market here with a vendor saying pork sales have not dropped because people are confident of the quality of this meat at their market as most of it comes from certified farms.
CAPTION:
Pharmacist Den Panyanant, left, and some pork on sale at a wet market in Phrae. Photo: Amarin TV
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