Vietnam’s Ca Mau reports 1 death linked to suspected meningococcal infection

The Ca Mau Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday received reports of three suspected cases at Ca Mau General Hospital.

Samples were sent to the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, which confirmed two patients were positive for Neisseria meningitidis.

The third case tested negative, likely due to prior antibiotic treatment.

Tran Hien Khoa, director of Ca Mau CDC, said the first test confirmed the presence of the bacteria, and a second test is being conducted for verification.

“Once the second result is available, we will issue an official report,” he added.

Khoa stressed that while the disease is serious, residents should not panic.

Since the beginning of this year, only a handful of cases have been reported in southern Vietnam, and no large-scale outbreak has occurred.

Ca Mau CDC is monitoring close contacts of the patients and has implemented sanitation measures in affected areas to protect the community.

Meningococcal meningitis is an acute infectious disease transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, and a distinctive rash that can develop necrotic patches.

Khoa emphasized vaccination as the most effective prevention method.

However, meningococcal vaccines are not part of Vietnam’s expanded program on immunization, meaning residents must seek private vaccination services.

He also advised maintaining good hygiene, frequent handwashing, and wearing masks in crowded places to reduce transmission risks.