Meningococcal cases in the South are increasing, with the risk of more community cases appearing.

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Hemorrhagic spots on the skin of a patient infected with meningococcal bacteria - Photo: Provided by the hospital

According to data from the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City in the first 4 months of 2025, the Southern region recorded 12 cases of meningococcal disease in 8/20 provinces and cities.

This figure increased by 9 cases compared to the same period in 2024. Localities with meningococcal cases include Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau , Lam Dong..., in Ho Chi Minh City alone, 4 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year.

In the first four months of this year, cases of meningococcal disease in the southern region were recorded to have increased compared to the same period last year.

According to experts, in the coming time, there is a high risk of more cases appearing in the community.

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) said that meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis . This bacteria causes many types of diseases from mild to severe such as purulent meningitis or sepsis, which can be extremely acute, progressing very quickly within a few hours and can cause death.

Humans are the only reservoir of the pathogen. According to many studies, 10 - 20% of people in the community are healthy carriers of the virus.

The disease is transmitted through droplets from sick people or healthy people carrying the bacteria when coughing, sneezing, talking close or sharing personal items. People living in the same house, dormitory, boarding house, or working together are susceptible to infection.

Initial flu-like symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, purplish rash (red, purple spots that spread quickly on the skin), stiff neck, convulsions, and coma. In severe cases, the disease can cause septic shock, multiple organ damage, and rapid death within 24 hours.

Anyone can get sick, but living in crowded places like dormitories, barracks, etc. has a higher risk of getting sick.

HCDC recommends that there are currently many types of meningococcal vaccines, with different serotypes, available at vaccination facilities.

This vaccine is not included in the list of mandatory vaccinations, but can be vaccinated if conditions permit. The other preventive measures presented above are still the main measures in preventing meningococcal disease.

Measures to prevent meningococcal disease

According to HCDC, meningococcal disease is transmitted through droplets, so preventive measures should be taken such as:

1. Keep your living space clean and well-ventilated.

2. Maintain personal hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap and water; do not spit in public; cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

3. Wear a mask when sick or in close contact with sick people, when going to crowded places, especially going to the hospital.

4. If you are in close contact with a person with meningococcal disease, you should notify your local health care provider to receive preventive antibiotics.

5. Vaccination.