Meningococcal infections can be rapidly fatal.

Meningococcal disease is particularly dangerous because of its rapid progression, which can claim a person's life in less than 24 hours from onset.

Numerous deaths from meningococcal disease have caused widespread concern, especially in the early stages when the cause of the illness was unknown. More dangerously, it is a respiratory disease that often leaves severe aftereffects.

The Center for Tropical Diseases at Bach Mai Hospital is currently treating a 48-year-old female patient with acute meningococcal meningitis and sepsis.

The patient, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, traveled by bus to Ha Nam province to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) on the 28th day of the lunar month. On the 8th day of Tet, she experienced symptoms such as persistent chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and lethargy. Her family took her to Ha Nam Provincial General Hospital, and she was subsequently transferred to Bach Mai Hospital for emergency treatment.

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At Bach Mai Hospital, after examination, doctors discovered necrotic hemorrhagic spots on the patient's skin. The cerebrospinal fluid aspirated was cloudy yellow, leading doctors to suspect meningococcal meningitis. They initiated specific antibiotic treatment along with isolation measures. Cerebrospinal fluid testing confirmed the patient was positive for the dangerous type B meningococcal bacteria.

After four days of intensive treatment according to the protocol, the patient's condition has stabilized and they can be discharged in the next few days. Those in close contact with the patient, including family members and healthcare workers, have also been warned and given preventive medication. The Center for Tropical Diseases has notified relevant units such as the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the Ha Nam CDC to implement epidemiological investigation and prevention measures should outbreaks occur in the community.

Unlike the female patient mentioned above, on February 10th, a Vietnamese soldier, an ordnance officer in Battalion 4, Regiment 12, Division 3, Military Region 1, died from fulminant meningococcal septic shock.

Previously, on February 9th, soldier N reported symptoms of fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. The unit's medical team examined him, administered intravenous fluids, gave fever reducers, and prescribed antibiotics, but his condition did not improve. He was transferred to Military Hospital 110 and then to Military Central Hospital 108 for treatment.

However, he did not survive. Through testing, 7 people who had direct contact with soldier N at Regiment 12 tested positive for meningococcal bacteria. The unit has isolated, monitored, and implemented comprehensive disease prevention measures.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that meningococcal meningitis is a dangerous epidemic disease caused by the group B bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which resides in the pharynx and is transmitted through droplets.

The disease commonly occurs in densely populated areas such as military barracks, apartment complexes, and schools. Those most affected are young people, those without immunity, or those who have not been vaccinated. The disease can progress rapidly, causing meningitis, sepsis, and in severe cases, multiple organ failure and death.

There have been many deaths due to meningococcal disease shortly after the onset of the illness, before the cause could be determined. In 2024, Bac Kan province recorded 6 patients suspected of being infected with meningococcal bacteria.

Of these, two patients admitted earlier, a grandmother and her granddaughter, did not survive, while the remaining four received intensive treatment upon diagnosis. Notably, all six patients were from the same family, and two of them were diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. Shortly before this, Hanoi also recorded its first meningococcal infection of 2024 at Military Hospital 105.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Duy Cuong, meningococcal meningitis has many forms, among which the acute and fulminant forms progress very rapidly within just a few days. Symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, altered consciousness, and rapid coma, accompanied by necrotic hemorrhagic rashes on the skin in the context of acute adrenal insufficiency syndrome, shock, and rapid death.

"If the cerebrospinal fluid is cloudy and the patient has these symptoms, an immediate warning is needed, and meningococcal infection should be suspected," Associate Professor Do Duy Cuong emphasized.

Experts also warn that meningococcal meningitis has a mortality rate of 10-20%. Severe cases, such as sepsis and adrenal insufficiency, can be fatal within 24 hours. Therefore, prompt treatment and isolation are crucial upon detection.

However, people should not panic, as meningococcal meningitis is not a common disease, occurring only in isolated outbreaks or imported from other areas. Due to its rapid progression and high mortality rate, patients suspected of having meningococcal meningitis should seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

To prevent the disease, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai from the Safpo/Potec Vaccination System said that people should proactively get vaccinated against meningococcal disease to protect their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Vietnam now has vaccines to protect against five of the most dangerous and common meningococcal serotypes: A, B, C, Y, and W-135.

Most patients with meningococcal meningitis recover completely; however, approximately 10-15% may experience permanent impairments such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning difficulties.

In addition to vaccination, people need to practice good personal and environmental hygiene, wear masks when in contact with or caring for sick people, and take preventive medication.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nhiem-vi-khuan-nao-mo-cau-co-the-tu-vong-nhanh-d248259.html