BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai authorities issued an urgent warning after 49 people were infected and three died from a deadly pig-borne bacteria in just over a month.
28 provinces affected – patients getting younger
Health officials reported that from 1 January to 10 February 2026, infections were recorded in 28 provinces across Thailand. Patients ranged in age from under five to 90 years. Most cases involved men, particularly those over 60.
Younger adults were also increasingly affected. The age groups 50 to 59 and 40 to 49 recorded significant numbers of infections.
“The disease does not spare any age group.”
said Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokeswoman.
How dangerous the bacteria are
The Streptococcus suis bacteria posed a deadly threat to humans. Transmission occurred through raw or undercooked pork.
Officials also warned that pig blood used in northeastern dishes such as Laab, Koi or Luu could carry the pathogen. Once inside the body, the bacteria could trigger meningitis, blood poisoning or even septic shock.
In many cases, these complications ended fatally if treatment was delayed or the infection was severe.
Infection hotspots
The province with the highest number of cases was Nakhon Ratchasima. Doctors also raised the alarm in Phrae, Chon Buri, Chaiyaphum and Surin.
People working directly with pigs were considered especially at risk. Those employed in pig farming or slaughterhouses were urged to exercise extreme caution.
“The danger is enormous, especially with open wounds on the hands.”
said Airin. Even the smallest scratch without protective gloves could become a potential death trap.
Who is most at risk?
The disease did not pose the same level of danger to everyone. Older people and those with pre-existing conditions were particularly vulnerable.
High-risk groups included patients with liver cirrhosis, diabetes, kidney failure and cancer. People who had their spleen removed were described as extremely endangered.
In these groups, infections could cause especially severe symptoms. The mortality rate among such patients was significantly higher than in otherwise healthy individuals.
How to protect yourself
Authorities issued a clear message to the public: avoid eating raw or undercooked pork. Consumers were urged to buy meat only from certified, safe markets and to ensure it did not come from infected animals.
People working with pigs were advised to wear protective clothing at all times. They were also told to avoid direct contact if they had any wounds and to wash thoroughly after work.
These measures were presented as the most effective way to prevent further infections and deaths.
A case that shows the danger
Officials highlighted a recent fatal case in Nakhon Ratchasima. A man there had eaten a traditional dish prepared with raw pork.
Within a few days he developed a high fever, and then his circulation collapsed. Doctors were unable to save him.
His family was left without a father. Authorities stressed that his death would likely have been preventable if the meat had been properly cooked.
What tourists need to know now
The warning also applied to visitors to Thailand. Many traditional dishes were served raw or only partially cooked, putting tourists at risk as well.
Travellers were urged to always ask how dishes were prepared and to insist on thoroughly cooked meat, even if this drew strange looks from the cook. Their health, authorities stressed, had to come first.
Thai authorities said they were stepping up inspections in response to the outbreak. However, they emphasised that the best protection remained in the hands of consumers themselves: always cook pork thoroughly before eating.