Pasteur institute warns of meningococcal disease after 2 deaths in southern Vietnam

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Thuong, deputy head of the institute, said that meningococcal bacteria are commonly found in the throats of some 10-15 percent of the population.

The bacteria can trigger an infection under favorable conditions, the doctor said.

People living or gathering in crowded environments are at greater risk of infection.

High-risk groups include children, adolescents, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

It is vital to identify people who have had close contact with infected patients so they can receive preventive antibiotics and be placed under isolation or monitoring for at least 10 days.

Tran Hien Khoa, director of the Ca Mau Center for Disease Control, said on Saturday that local health authorities were reviewing and monitoring the health of people who had been in close contact with the deceased patients.

Surrounding areas where the patients lived were also under surveillance to promptly identify anyone showing suspected symptoms and take appropriate action.

The province will work with the institute and the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases to organize training programs aimed at strengthening the community's ability to recognize, screen for, and prevent meningococcal disease.

The programs will also provide professional guidance on diagnosis and treatment to healthcare facilities across the province.

Ca Mau Province has recently reported two deaths linked to meningococcal infection.

According to epidemiological investigations, the first victim was a 46-year-old woman from Song Doc Commune.

Her symptoms began on October 20, initially including chills and coughing.

She bought medication herself, but her condition did not improve.

By the following evening, she had developed weakness in both legs and multiple patches of haemorrhage across her body.

She was admitted to Ca Mau General Hospital on the morning of October 22.

Her condition deteriorated severely by midday on October 23.

Her family requested that she be taken home, where she subsequently died.

The second victim was a 33-year-old woman from the same commune.

She initially experienced a sore throat, fever, fatigue, and scattered skin rashes.

Her family also purchased medication for her without a prescription, but her condition failed to improve.

On October 27, she was rushed to Tran Van Thoi General Hospital in a state of lethargy, with pale skin, low blood pressure, and widespread rashes.

Doctors diagnosed her with acute meningococcal disease and transferred her to Ca Mau General Hospital at around 7:35 pm that day.

Despite intensive treatment, she later died.

The sources of infection in both cases have yet to be identified.

With these latest deaths, the total number of fatalities from meningococcal disease in Ca Mau Province has reached three.

Health authorities have urged residents not to underestimate early symptoms such as fever, coughing or other unusual changes in their health.

Anyone experiencing suspected symptoms should seek medical attention promptly for examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Residents are strongly advised against purchasing and taking medication on their own without medical guidance.