How to recognize and prevent flesh-eating bacteria infection

According to Dr. Hoang Cong Tinh - Department of Intensive Care 1, Hoa Binh General Hospital, Whitmore disease is an infectious disease in humans and animals caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria live in soil and contaminated water and enter the human body mainly through wounds in the skin and mucous membranes. The disease is common in countries in the Southeast Asian region.

In Vietnam, the first case was recorded in 1925, then the disease appeared in localities across the country and increased recently.

The disease has very diverse clinical manifestations, is difficult to diagnose and has a high mortality rate in cases of severe pneumonia, sepsis and septic shock.

According to Dr. Tinh, people with underlying diseases (diabetes, chronic liver, kidney, lung disease) are at high risk of getting the disease. In particular, the disease is easily misdiagnosed with other infectious diseases, leading to delays in treatment.

Whitmore bacteria must be treated with specific antibiotics. Treatment must be prolonged (usually 3 to 6 months) to ensure the disease does not recur.

In 2019 - 2020, Hoa Binh General Hospital successfully diagnosed and treated 5 severe cases of Whitmore's disease with multiple organ failure and reported at the National Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Association of Emergency Resuscitation and Poison Control. In 2019, the Ministry of Health issued Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Whitmore's Disease.

Dr. Tinh informed that there is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease. People need to equip themselves with personal protective equipment such as waterproof boots and gloves to protect their limbs and prevent contact with contaminated soil and water.

In case of skin laceration or scratch, wash the wound under clean running water with soap and go to the nearest medical facility for care.

Blood culture results of patient Ha Ngoc T. Photo: Hoa Binh Provincial General Hospital

It is known that Hoa Binh General Hospital is currently treating 2 cases of Whitmore disease.

The first patient is Ha Ngoc T (43 years old, residing in Da Bac district), who has been working as a worker in a southern province for more than 10 years. About a month before being admitted to the hospital, he was discharged with a high fever. He went to the doctor and received treatment, but the fever only subsided and did not go away completely. The patient's family asked to stop treatment and return to his hometown (Hoa Binh).

Upon arrival in Hoa Binh, the patient was hospitalized with high fever, chills, respiratory failure, septic shock - multiple organ failure. Currently, he is still in critical condition, receiving treatment, intensive care and consultation from many specialists.

The second patient, Bui Thi C (59 years old, from Lac Son), is now out of danger. She is expected to be discharged after about a week and will continue treatment with oral medication for 3 to 6 months at home.

Source: https://laodong.vn/cac-loai-benh/cach-nhan-biet-phong-tranh-nhiem-vi-khuon-an-thit-nguoi-1389439.ldo