Three patients died from diphtheria.

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management ( Ministry of Health ) has recently sent a document to hospitals under the Ministry of Health; Departments of Health of provinces and centrally-administered cities; and health departments of ministries and sectors regarding strengthening the diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria.

To date, the diphtheria outbreak in Ha Giang and Dien Bien provinces has become complicated, with 3 deaths recorded.

In Ha Giang and Dien Bien provinces, the diphtheria outbreak is developing complicatedly and has recorded 3 deaths (image source: Internet).

In order to enhance early detection of diphtheria cases, ensure timely isolation and treatment, and minimize the number of deaths, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management requests all units to urgently conduct refresher training on the guidelines for diagnosing and treating diphtheria issued with Decision No. 2957/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health dated July 10, 2020, for all medical staff involved in medical examination and treatment work, in order to detect suspected cases early for isolation and early treatment - including private medical facilities in the area.

Healthcare facilities need to review procedures, equipment, medications, and supplies according to guidelines to organize the screening, isolation, admission, and treatment of diphtheria patients as prescribed, minimizing mortality rates; and ensuring infection control within healthcare facilities.

Upon detecting clinical cases suspected of diphtheria, healthcare facilities should prioritize antibiotic selection according to diphtheria diagnosis and treatment guidelines; and immediately implement early sampling for bacterial staining to guide treatment.

The Ministry of Health requires medical facilities to strengthen monitoring and early detection of complications to promptly manage and refer patients when necessary; to conduct expert consultations to seek advice from higher-level facilities for difficult and severe cases, and to conduct consultations before referral; and to administer prophylactic antibiotics to contacts as directed.

Healthcare facilities need to strengthen communication within hospitals so that patients and their families are aware of the signs of the disease, seek early medical attention, and understand preventive measures.

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management also requires units to strictly comply with the regulations on reporting cases as prescribed by the Minister of Health.

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/3-benh-nhan-tu-vong-do-mac-benh-bach-hau-bo-y-te-chi-dao-khan-post265161.html