Phrae: The government has issued a stern warning against the consumption of raw pork following an outbreak of swine flu, particularly in Phrae Province where there have been 14 reported cases and 2 deaths. The deputy government spokeswoman, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, emphasized the importance of adhering to the “cooked, hot, clean” principle to ensure food safety.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Public Health is actively coordinating with relevant agencies to monitor and control the situation in high-risk areas. The public is urged to avoid raw or undercooked pork, as these have been identified as key risk factors in the recent outbreak. The mistaken belief that raw pork can be made safe by squeezing lemon or drinking alcohol with it is being debunked as dangerous.

The government stresses the importance of purchasing pork from reliable sources and implementing safe food handling practices. For instance, raw and cooked pork should be kept separate, and utensils used on raw pork should not be reused for eating without proper cleaning. The consequences of infection can be severe, including permanent hearing loss or even death.

Food handlers, including chefs and cooks, are advised to use protective gear like gloves and gowns, especially if they have open wounds. Additional precautions are recommended for pig farmers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians, who should wear appropriate protective clothing and thoroughly wash hands after handling pigs.

Ms. Sasikarn further advised that individuals experiencing high fever and muscle aches, particularly after consuming or handling raw pork, should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their risk history to healthcare providers. The government reassures the public that strict disease surveillance and control measures are in place to protect citizens’ health and safety, and urges all households to follow the ‘cooked, hot, clean’ guideline for food preparation.