Streptococcus suis meningitis following occupational handling of imported frozen pork

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen primarily associated with pigs. Although most cases of S. suis infection in humans are associated with occupational exposure to live pigs or pork products, as well as consumption of raw pork, infection related to imported frozen pork has been documented in only a few reports. We report the case of a 65-year-old male cook with hand eczema who prepared meatballs daily with his bare hands by using frozen pork imported from Denmark. He developed a fever and headache and showed altered consciousness. Cerebrospinal fluid culture confirmed S. suis meningitis. Initial treatment with ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and dexamethasone was subsequently switched to penicillin G based on susceptibility testing results, and the treatment was continued for 14 days. The patient was discharged without complications, such as hearing loss. This case suggests that imported frozen pork following international transport and frozen storage may represent a potential source of S. suis infection, underscoring the importance of protective measures such as glove use and strict hand hygiene when handling these products. Thus, clinicians should be aware that zoonotic pathogens may persist in imported frozen meat and pose a risk of causing severe invasive disease.