Deadly “Fortune Menu” Lands 27-Year-Old Man in Coma

A 27-year-old male patient from Bac Ninh, Vietnam, was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases in a coma and requiring a ventilator. His body was covered in a rash with spots of rot and blood, particularly around his face, arms, and legs.

According to the patient’s family, four days prior to admission, he had consumed “Lu”, a dish made from fresh pig blood, at a restaurant. Shortly after, he began to feel tired, experienced muscle aches, and developed a fever of unknown origin.

The morning of his hospital transport, the patient’s family found him unresponsive and his body had turned dark green. He was intubated at a local hospital before being transferred to the Central Tropical Disease Hospital.

Upon arrival, the patient was diagnosed with sepsis and bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis. Doctors are working tirelessly to save his life due to multi-organ failure and severe blood clotting problems. The patient has been receiving continuous blood transfusions.

Dr. Pham Van Phuc, deputy head of the intensive care unit at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, emphasized that the belief in consuming “glutathione on the first day of the month to increase good luck” is a misconception and can be detrimental to one’s health. This practice involves consuming fresh animal blood, which is a significant cause of parasitic infections and bacterial diseases in many patients.

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact and consumption of undercooked food. It causes infections in the bloodstream, including life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, arthritis, and uveitis. The incubation period of the disease is approximately 1-3 days, with symptoms including fever, chills, shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches. In severe cases, the infection can lead to death.

Understanding Streptococcus suis

• Causes infections in the bloodstream, including meningitis, arthritis, and uveitis
• Transmitted through direct contact and consumption of undercooked food
• Incubation period: approximately 1-3 days
• Symptoms: fever, chills, shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches
• Severe cases can lead to death