Two Dead in Chiang Mai Linked to ‘Deafness Fever’ After Eating Raw Pork Dish

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

Two villagers in Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province, have died and several others have fallen ill after consuming larb dib, a traditional dish made with raw or undercooked pork. Health officials have confirmed that the illness was caused by a deadly bacteria often associated with the consumption of contaminated pork.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office (CPHO) has urged the public to avoid eating raw or partially cooked pork, warning that doing so can lead to severe illness or even death.

According to Chom Thong Hospital, patients began reporting symptoms between February and July 2025. Most experienced high fever, severe headaches and in some cases, sudden hearing loss, a condition colloquially known in Thailand as “deafness disease.” Symptoms rapidly progressed in several patients, leading to hospitalisation and in two cases, death.

The most recent fatality was a 59-year-old man who, between 30 June and 2 July, had purchased pork from an informal slaughterhouse in a neighbouring village. He prepared and consumed larb dib with a group of friends. On 3 July, he developed high fever, muscle aches, chills, vomiting and extreme fatigue. His condition deteriorated further the following day, prompting family members to take him to hospital. Blood tests confirmed Streptococcus suis infection, and he died on 5 July. No symptoms have been reported among those who shared the meal or his close contacts.

Data from the CPHO show that, so far in 2025, there have been seven confirmed cases of Streptococcus suis infection in Chiang Mai Province, resulting in two deaths. Five of the cases were reported in Chom Thong District, with the remaining two in Wiang Haeng and Doi Tao Districts.

In response, local disease control teams have been actively monitoring high-risk contacts, 21 individuals who may have been exposed, as well as six pork vendors. None have developed symptoms so far.

Authorities are also conducting public awareness campaigns, advising against the consumption of raw or undercooked pork, particularly from unlicensed or non-compliant slaughterhouses. The Department of Livestock Development has also been informed and is working with local officials to trace the pork source and ensure proper hygiene and safety standards are being followed.

Public health officials reiterate: consuming raw pork carries a serious risk of infection and should be avoided entirely.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-10