Meningococcal cases on the rise: How does the disease spread?

The number of meningococcal cases tends to increase locally.

According to the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, in the first 4 months of 2025, the southern region recorded 12 cases of meningococcal disease in 8/20 provinces and cities. This figure increased by 9 cases compared to the same period in 2024. The cases were recorded sporadically in the community. Areas at high risk of detecting meningococcal cases include densely populated, crowded places, poor sanitation conditions and crowded places with a rotation of new and old people.

Illustration of meningococcal bacteria

Photo: HCDC

Experts predict that new cases may continue to be recorded in the coming time if drastic measures to control the epidemic are not implemented early and remotely in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health.

How is the disease transmitted?

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), meningococcal disease is transmitted through droplets from sick people or healthy people carrying the bacteria when coughing, sneezing, talking closely or sharing personal items.

The disease often occurs in crowded places (kindergartens, schools, dormitories, barracks, densely populated areas, poor sanitation...), people with weakened immune systems or respiratory tract co-infections. The reservoir of meningococcal bacteria in nature is humans. Therefore, the main source of infection is patients and healthy carriers.

Initial symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to the flu and include sudden high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, purplish rash (red, purple spots that spread quickly on the skin), stiff neck, convulsions, and coma. In severe cases, the disease can cause septic shock, multiple organ damage, and rapid death within 24 hours.

Initial symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to the flu and include sudden high fever, headache, nausea...

Photo: AI

Specialist Doctor Nguyen Dong Bao Chau, Department of Pediatrics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City said that meningococcal meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, commonly known as meningococcus, which is divided into many serotypes such as A, B, C, Y, W-135, X, Y, Z. Of which, the most common type causing disease in Vietnam is type A.

According to statistics, children with meningococcal disease can recover up to 95% if treated promptly. However, the disease can progress rapidly from a mild fever, then progress to severe sepsis and the child can die a few hours after the onset of the disease. Meningococcal meningitis, if detected late and not treated promptly, can leave complications. According to statistics, children who are cured of meningococcal meningitis can have sequelae in 20%.

What to do to prevent meningococcal disease from spreading

HCDC representative said that when a case of meningococcal disease is detected, the health sector will implement measures to detect it early and prevent the disease from spreading further. The cooperation of the people is very important. The health sector will conduct zoning and investigation of close contacts. Close contacts will be listed and their health will be monitored for 7-10 days. Close contacts will be given prophylactic antibiotics and instructed to self-monitor their health and seek medical attention immediately if necessary.

In addition, the health sector will provide guidance on environmental sanitation and disinfection, disinfection of homes, classrooms, dormitories, and patient workplaces, increased surface cleaning, and improved ventilation.

People should take preventive measures such as:

• Keep your living space clean and well-ventilated.
• Maintain personal hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water; do not spit in public; cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask when sick or in close contact with sick people, when going to crowded places, especially hospitals.
• If you come into close contact with someone with meningococcal disease, notify your local health care provider so you can receive preventive antibiotics.
• Vaccination.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nao-mo-cau-tang-o-mien-nam-benh-lay-lan-qua-nhung-con-duong-nao-185250511211158586.htm