Information about meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, primarily transmitted through direct contact with nasal, pharyngeal, and throat secretions from infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers. This is a dangerous infectious disease that can progress rapidly, causing severe forms of the illness such as purulent meningitis and sepsis, and can have serious consequences such as deafness, paralysis, mental retardation, and even death if not detected and treated promptly.

According to the surveillance report from week 1 to week 14 of 2026, the whole country recorded 24 cases, including 4 deaths; the age group most affected was children under 15 years old, accounting for 46% of the total cases. Cases were recorded sporadically in the community, without forming any concentrated outbreaks. However, the number of cases has tended to increase recently and is higher than the same period in 2025 (14 cases). This situation indicates the risk of the disease continuing to appear, affecting the health of the population, especially children.

To proactively prevent and control meningococcal disease, the Ministry of Health requests that people raise their awareness of disease prevention and proactively implement all measures to protect their own health, their families, and the community.

Practice good personal hygiene, frequently wash hands with soap and clean water; rinse mouth and throat with antiseptic solutions; wear masks in public places and on public transport; limit contact with sick people.

Maintain good environmental hygiene, improve ventilation in living, studying, and working spaces; clean surfaces and objects frequently touched daily (door handles, tabletops, toys, etc.) with soap or common detergents.

Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to boost your immune system .

When experiencing suspicious symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck, or petechiae (small red spots), people should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in limiting severe complications and death from the disease.

Department of Health Education and Communication (according to the Ministry of Health)

Source: https://yte.nghean.gov.vn/tin-chuyen-nganh/thong-tin-ve-benh-do-nao-mo-cau-1011073