A family of three has been admitted to the Sanjiwani General Hospital in Gianyar in suspected cases of meningitis caused by a bacteria prevalent in pork.
According to reports, the patients, aged 70, 63, and 41, consumed homemade lawar plek – a traditional Balinese dish comprising vegetables, coconut and herbs mixed with pig’s blood and/or raw pork.
Health officials believe the three contracted meningitis due to infection from the bacteria streptococcus suis – a pathogen in pigs.
“Common symptoms are fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness,” Gianyar Health Agency acting head Ni Nyoman Ariyuni said yesterday.
Symptoms generally appear within hours or up to 14 days of exposure to the bacteria.
Sanjiwani General Hospital has treated 27 suspected streptococcus suis-induced meningitis as of April 14 this year. Nineteen have recovered, seven are still under intensive care, while one has died.
The Gianyar Agriculture Agency says it is working with the Health Agency to raise public awareness on the importance of properly cooking meat, and for pig farmers to ensure their animals are healthy and vaccinated.
