A meat processing and transport worker was found to be infected with the Streptococcus suis bacteria, in the first of such case found in Macao, the Health Bureau announced today.

The patient, who was sent to the hospital for treatment on 29 July, is in a critical condition . He worked in a local wet market.

His family members have been examined and had no clinical features of the disease so far.

The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau had stepped up quarantine in the slaughterhouse.

The Bureau also held meetings with workers to alert them to the care required in handling uncooked meat. Any Streptococcus suis bacteria will be killed when meat is thoroughly cooked.

People should seek medical advise at once if they suspect they have Streptococcus suis infection the Bureau said.

In order to prevent the spread of Streptococcus suis infection, the people should:

· Observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.

· Avoid contact with pigs.

· Do not bring meat into Macao without a permit.

· When handling pigs or raw pork, wear protective gloves and avoid injury.

· Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork.

· Clean and cover all wounds properly.

· Raw pork and cooked food should be dealt with and kept separately.

· Pork should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.