Recently, the first death from Whitmore's disease was recorded in Ea Sup commune, Dak Lak province. (Photo: The area where the patient lived. Photo: VNA)
Whitmore's disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacterium exists in the environment and occurs in people who frequently come into contact with mud, soil, and water, such as farmers, construction workers, gardeners, and sewer cleaners. The disease has a diverse course and clinical symptoms, requiring differential diagnosis with many other illnesses.
Recently, many provinces and cities across the country have recorded cases of Whitmore's disease, including some fatalities.
For example, on September 11th, Dak Lak province recorded its first death due to Whitmore's disease. Since the beginning of 2025, the province has recorded three cases of Whitmore's disease.
The deceased patient is SSP (born in 1965, residing in sub-district 280, Ea Súp commune). According to relatives, starting in July 2025, the patient began experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue, and had been examined and treated multiple times at district and provincial hospitals with a diagnosis of pneumonia, but without success.
By August 7th, the patient's condition worsened with symptoms of high fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. They were transferred to the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital and then to Cho Ray Hospital ( Ho Chi Minh City).
On August 16th, the patient underwent surgery to remove the entire abscess and continued treatment with strong antibiotics according to the protocol. However, the condition did not improve, the patient suffered severe respiratory failure, required mechanical ventilation, and was transferred back to the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital.
On August 31st, after the patient's condition worsened, the family requested to take the patient home, and the patient subsequently died. On September 8th, test results showed the patient was positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, the causative agent of Whitmore's disease.
According to medical experts, Whitmore's disease typically develops acutely with manifestations such as pneumonia, bone and joint infections, nervous system infections, liver, spleen, and prostate infections, sepsis, or septic shock. The disease can also develop chronically with symptoms such as pneumonia similar to tuberculosis or multiple organ abscesses like staphylococcal infections.
The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract or contact with environments containing bacteria. The risk of infection is especially high when there are scratches or abrasions on the skin, and the disease progresses more rapidly.
People with one or more underlying conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease, especially diabetes, are at high risk of infection, which can easily lead to dangerous and unpredictable complications and even death.
Health experts advise that to prevent Whitmore's disease, people should avoid direct contact with dirty, stagnant water, especially when they have open wounds, scratches, or bleeding; or if they have underlying medical conditions. Protective equipment should be worn when working in agriculture to prevent infection through the hands and feet. Healthcare workers should wear full protective gear when in contact with patients to minimize the risk of infection.
When a patient has a fever and multiple inflammatory foci or abscesses, the risk of Whitmore's disease should be immediately considered, especially in individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes. If infection is suspected, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for consultation, examination, detection, and timely treatment.
The main preventive measures include ensuring personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, using personal protective equipment when working in contact with contaminated soil, mud, or water, or in unsanitary environments, disinfecting contaminated skin cuts, scratches, or burns, and eating cooked food and drinking boiled water.
PV (compiled)
Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/can-lam-gi-de-phong-tranh-benh-whitmore-520729.html
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