Bacterial meningitis Streptococcus suis: Causes, treatment, and prevention
Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha revealed during the The Clash Season 3's Christmas special that she and her husband recently battled bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis, which has left her deaf in her right ear.
Lani Misalucha recounts her battle with bacterial meningitis / Source: The Clash
The iconic singer also said that she and her husband have vestibular dysfunction and still need help when moving around.
Lani and her husband are not sure where they contracted the disease, but they suspect that they got it from contaminated food.
Before returning to the stage for The Clash's Christmas special, Lani spent 18 days at the hospital fighting the disease, while her husband spent 20 days at the hospital.
They were even both sent to the Intensive Care Unit or ICU during their recovery at the hospital.
Read on to know more about bacterial meningitis, specifically the one caused by Streptococcus suis and how you can prevent it.
Learn more about bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis / Source: Pexels
What is Streptococcus suis and how is it transmitted?
The Streptococcus suis or S. suis is a disease that often affects pigs and exists in nearly all countries that have a large swine industry.
S. suis is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from pigs to humans.
This can happen when humans handle carcasses or meat of infected pigs and they have exposed cuts or abrasions on their hands.
Moreover, according to a 24 Oras report it can also be transmitted by breathing in the pathogen.
What are its symptoms?
Here are the usual symptoms of bacterial meningitis caused by the Streptococcus suis:
1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Vomiting
4. Shivering
5. Malaise or general feeling of weakness
6. Vertigo or dizzy spells
7. Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
Although potentially fatal, bacterial meningitis is preventable. / Source: Pexels
How to prevent it?
In order to prevent yourself from contracting bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis it's best to not handle raw pork and the carcass of a pig with your bare hands. Always wear gloves and cover any wounds with adhesive dressings.
It is also important to cook the meat well in order to kill any bacteria that might still be in it. Also, only purchase meat from trusted suppliers so you can be sure that they are clean and free from any disease.
Always wash your hands before and after preparing food and before you eat in order to prevent transmission of any bacterial disease.
Make sure to also clean surfaces, utensils, and equipment that have been in contact with raw pork.
Furthermore, keep in mind that it's best to avoid contact with wild pigs and to wash your hands immediately after contact.
In addition to these safety measures, according to Dra. Lulu Bravo of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, bacterial meningitis can also be prevented by vaccines.
How is it treated?
Since Streptococcus suis is a type of bacteria, it can be treated using three major antibiotics: penicillin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfonamides.
Since it can be fatal, it's best not to self-medicate. Consult your doctor right away once you experience symptoms to prevent complications.
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You might also want to read about Bubonic plague, which can be transmitted to humans through a flea bite.