The cases are scattered across multiple wards, prompting local health authorities to ramp up environmental sanitation, public awareness, and health monitoring efforts.

The deceased was a 50-year-old man of Thuan Hoa ward, who was admitted to Hue Central Hospital on July 2 in septic shock and died shortly after. Lab results on July 4 confirmed he tested positive for Streptococcus suis.

Epidemiological investigations revealed no pigs were raised at or near the patient’s residence, and there were no recent reports of sick pigs in the area. So far, no symptoms have appeared among those who had close contact with the patient.

In addition to the fatal case, 11 other patients are currently receiving treatment at Hue Central Hospital. The source of infection remains unclear in most cases, with only one linked to direct handling of raw pork.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Kiem Hao, director of the Hue Department of Health, said on July 7 that the Department has directed the municipal Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and related agencies to urgently verify confirmed cases, trace contacts, and tighten infection control measures. Community health centres are being mobilised to increase public awareness, reinforce mobile response teams, and ensure availability of medical supplies and disinfectants.

In Duong No ward, where two infections were reported, health workers have disinfected affected households using Cloramin B and launched a public education campaign. Close contacts of patients are being monitored daily for symptoms.

The Department warned that local residents must not slaughter or consume sick or dead pigs; avoid eating undercooked pork, pig organs, or dishes like raw pig blood pudding; buy pork only from certified veterinary-inspected sources; and wear protective gear when handling pigs or raw pork.

local residents were also advised to disinfect all utensils and surfaces used for pork preparation; wash hands with soap before and after handling, and immediately notify veterinary authorities of any signs of sick, dead, or miscarrying pigs for proper disease surveillance and safe disposal.

Anyone experiencing sudden high fever with a recent history of pig contact or consumption of questionable pork products should seek medical attention immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.

Streptococcus suis can thrive in pig populations—especially in outbreaks of blue-ear disease (PRRS), posing ongoing risks to humans. Hue authorities are urging strict biosecurity and regular disinfection at slaughterhouses and markets using Cloramin B 2% or equivalent disinfectants.

Disease prevention fund to help solve urgent public health issues: MoH

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has proposed setting up a disease prevention fund within the draft Law on Disease Prevention.