Young man with Whitmore's disease, multi-organ abscess

SKĐS - The patient was hospitalized in a very serious condition: septic shock, requiring oxygen, abscesses in many organs, of which the largest lung abscess was about 4cm, and the drainage fluid contained pus and blood.

At the end of August, Mr. LDTA (39 years old, Thanh Hoa ) had a continuous high fever and was diagnosed with Whitmore's disease (caused by B.pseudomallei bacteria).

After 2 weeks of treatment at the medical facility, his condition stabilized and he was transferred to a lower level facility.

However, just 2 days after stopping the medication, he had a fever again (39 degrees Celsius), was lethargic, and had swelling and pain. On October 20, his family took him to the hospital in a state of septic shock and multiple organ failure. Despite intensive treatment for a month, his condition did not improve, so he was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Image of the lesion that allows Whitmore bacteria to enter the body.

At the Emergency Department, Dr. Le Son Viet said that the patient was admitted in a very serious condition: septic shock, requiring oxygen, abscesses in many organs (lungs, liver, kidneys, lumbar muscles...). Of which, the largest lung abscess was about 4cm, the drainage fluid contained pus mixed with blood.

The doctor determined that because the patient had an underlying disease that weakened the immune system and strong antibiotic-resistant bacteria, treatment was very complicated and the prognosis was cautious.

According to Dr. Viet, Whitmore bacteria enter the body through scratches on the skin, respiratory tract or digestive tract. The bacteria enter the blood causing septicemia and creating abscesses throughout the body (lungs, liver, brain...). High-risk groups include farmers, gardeners, and construction workers who are frequently exposed to contaminated soil and water.

There is currently no vaccine and the disease is not transmitted from person to person.

To prevent, people need:

Limit direct contact with soil and dirty water; wear gloves and boots when working.

Clean and disinfect immediately if there is an open wound.

Eat cooked food, drink boiled water, keep the living environment clean.

People with chronic diseases need to be especially careful.

Go to a medical facility immediately if high fever recurs or unusual painful swelling appears.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nam-thanh-nien-mac-whitmore-ap-xe-da-tang-169251121150641082.htm