Lao Cai recorded 1 case of meningococcal encephalitis

Specific information is as follows: The patient is a student at Xuan Hoa Primary and Secondary School, Bao Yen District. On May 6, 2025, the patient showed signs of pain, stiff legs, difficulty moving and had to be supported, no fever, and ate and drank normally. On May 7, 2025, the patient showed symptoms of high fever of 39.5ºC, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and was taken home by his family to buy medicine. After taking the medicine, the child vomited all the medicine, felt tired, and was taken to Quang Binh District General Hospital, Ha Giang Province (near the patient's home) for examination and was diagnosed with meningitis.

The Provincial Center for Disease Control and Bao Yen District Health Center monitor Xuan Hoa Primary and Secondary School.

Around May 9, 2025, the patient was transferred to the National Children's Hospital, where the patient was examined and had cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples taken for testing, which showed meningococcal meningitis (first test on May 9, second test on May 12). Treatment until May 14, 2025, the patient no longer had a fever, ate well, was less tired, and was able to move and walk normally.

Upon receiving information about the case, the Lao Cai Provincial Center for Disease Control directed and coordinated with the Bao Yen District Medical Center to investigate and implement measures to prevent and control the epidemic. Investigation of the patient's information showed that before the onset, the patient ate and stayed at school and at home, did not enter the epidemic area, and had been vaccinated against a number of diseases: Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, 5 in 1, measles, Rubella, Japanese encephalitis B; had not been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.

Students in close contact with the patient were given preventive medication.

The Provincial Center for Disease Control and Bao Yen District Medical Center have also compiled a list of people who have been in contact with the patient within 7 days before the onset of the disease; coordinated with Xuan Hoa Primary and Secondary School to closely monitor the situation at the school and the health of people in close contact with the patient. There are 136 people who have been in close contact with the patient, these people have been given prophylactic antibiotics and asked to monitor their health, up to now there have been no suspected cases related to the disease.

Medical staff of Bao Yen district and Xuan Hoa commune also organized propaganda for people in close contact with the patient to practice personal hygiene, eat nutritious food, exercise, improve physical condition and fitness; ventilate living areas and classrooms; limit contact with others, regularly wear masks...; spray disinfectant chemicals in the school's boarding area and classrooms in the school.

Disinfecting at Xuan Hoa Primary and Secondary School.

Preliminary assessment: The source of infection for the meningococcal case in Xuan Hoa commune, Bao Yen district is unknown. The patient's health is showing signs of improvement; no other suspected cases of similar disease have been detected. It is necessary to continue monitoring the health of people in close contact with the patient.

Meningococcal encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract by inhaling respiratory droplets containing the pathogen. The disease has symptoms: sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, fatigue, possibly sore throat, hemorrhagic spots or patches.

To prevent meningococcal encephalitis and meningitis and avoid spreading in the community, the health sector recommends that people take the following measures:

Practice good personal hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap, gargle with common antiseptic solutions.

Keep your living space clean and well-ventilated.

Proactively vaccinate children from 2 years of age and older.

When experiencing symptoms of high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, go immediately to a medical facility for examination and treatment, and notify the local health department hotline for timely investigation, monitoring and handling.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lao-cai-ghi-nhan-1-ca-viem-nao-mo-cau-post401912.html