NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND – Health officials in Nakhon Ratchasima reported the highest number of cases nationwide of a dangerous pig-related meningitis in 2025 and urged strict pork hygiene over the New Year period.
Province reports 93 cases and 13 deaths
The provincial public health office in Nakhon Ratchasima said 93 people were diagnosed with so‑called laryngeal or pig meningitis, commonly known as “deafness fever,” between 1 January and 30 December 2025. According to the office, 13 patients died from the disease in that period.
Officials said the figures were compiled by the provincial communicable disease control division. The province, also known as Korat, is in northeastern Thailand and is regarded as a major agricultural hub with intensive pig farming.
New Year festivities seen as risk period
Provincial health director Nop Wichan Khidhen issued an urgent warning on the official Facebook page of the Nakhon Ratchasima public health office. The alert was linked to traditional New Year celebrations, during which pork dishes are commonly served.
He stressed that year‑end gatherings pose a particular danger if pork is not cooked thoroughly.
“For New Year celebrations, pork must be completely cooked, otherwise the disease threatens,”
said Nop Wichan Khidhen, provincial health director.
Disease linked to raw or undercooked pork
The illness, referred to in Thai as “fever with hearing loss” (ไข้หูดับ), was described by the authority as primarily transmitted through the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked pork, blood or offal. The disease was considered preventable if basic hygiene practices were followed.
The health office noted that the risk was especially high in areas where traditional raw meat dishes and partially cooked pork products were widespread.
Five key preventive measures for consumers
To curb further infections, the Nakhon Ratchasima health office recommended avoiding any raw or half‑cooked pork, blood or offal. It also advised a strict separation of kitchen tools such as cutting boards and knives used for raw pork from those used for vegetables or other ready‑to‑eat foods.
Consumers were urged to buy pork only from certified or clearly hygienic shops. For the popular “Moo Kra Ta” tabletop grill, the office recommended using separate chopsticks – one for placing raw meat on the grill and another for eating cooked food.
Advice for workers in pig sector
People working with pigs or pork were told to wash and shower thoroughly immediately after their tasks. Officials said this was intended to remove any potential pathogens from the skin.
The guidance targeted farmers, slaughterhouse staff and others in direct contact with live animals or fresh meat, as part of efforts to cut transmission routes.
Authorities focus on education, not panic
The provincial administration said it was relying on information campaigns via social media and local networks in response to the current situation. The aim was to raise awareness of the dangers of raw pork without causing unnecessary panic.
Officials emphasized that properly cooked meat and simple hygiene rules could significantly lower the risk of infection. They argued that consistent preventive behavior was crucial in an agriculturally dominated region reporting the country’s highest case numbers.
Regional outbreak raises wider questions
Local authorities pointed out that “deafness fever” was often regarded as rare, yet the figures from Korat suggested a different picture. They said the concentration of cases in a farming region highlighted the connection between animal husbandry, hygiene and public health.
The provincial data raised the question of whether information campaigns and preventive measures were sufficient, or whether the disease continued to be underestimated as a broader public health concern.