Vietnamese student dies after suspected meningococcal infection

The patient, identified as T.H.N.Y., a student at Duong Dong 4 Elementary School, was admitted to Phu Quoc Medical Center in critical condition with widespread skin rash and cyanosis.

Despite intensive resuscitation efforts, the child did not survive.

Based on clinical symptoms, doctors suspect the case involves meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infections.

Health authorities said the student had only attended school and returned home in Duong Dong before falling ill.

Close contacts have been instructed to monitor their health under supervision from the Duong Dong medical station for seven to ten days.

Parents of children who had close contact with the patient were advised to observe symptoms carefully, ensure nasal and throat hygiene, and have their children wear masks.

Any signs of fever, fatigue, or confusion should prompt immediate hospital visits.

Local authorities have disinfected the classroom, house, and other areas the patient visited.

The school has required all students to wear masks, use personal bottled water, and wash hands frequently.

Doctors urged parents to vaccinate their children against meningococcal disease or arrange booster shots as soon as possible, especially for those who had close contact with the case.