HCM City reports meningococcal disease cluster, one student dead
VOV.VN - Three students at a school in Ho Chi Minh City have been diagnosed with group B meningococcal disease, with one fatality, prompting health authorities to step up contact tracing and preventive measures.
The municipal Department of Health confirmed the cases on October 16. All the three students attend Hai Ba Trung Lower Secondary School in Hiep Phuoc commune.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC), the first case was reported on October 14, when a student died after being diagnosed with fulminant meningococcal disease. Two further cases were subsequently confirmed among the student’s schoolmates. Both are receiving treatment at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Following the initial report, the Department of Health directed HCDC, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Children’s Hospital 1, Nha Be General Hospital and other relevant units to investigate the cases, trace close contacts and implement preventive measures.
Preventive antibiotics have been provided to close contacts in accordance with medical guidance. Classrooms, toilets and shared areas have also been cleaned and disinfected, while people showing respiratory symptoms have been referred to hospital for monitoring.
Initial investigations have identified no further unusual signs among the contacts being monitored and given preventive treatment, beyond the three confirmed cases.
The Department of Health has also held an urgent meeting with medical experts and the leadership of the Department of Education and Training to assess the situation and coordinate further action.
Relevant units have been instructed to complete lists of close contacts at the school, in the students’ households and at other related locations, provide preventive antibiotics to eligible contacts in accordance with medical indications, and monitor their health for at least 10 days, following Ministry of Health guidance.
Healthcare facilities across the city have been asked to strengthen the early detection, diagnosis and timely treatment of suspected cases, particularly among people with relevant epidemiological links.
HCDC is working with Hiep Phuoc Commune Health Station and the school to provide guidance on hygiene and disinfection, monitor health conditions and keep parents informed.
Meningococcal disease is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and transmitted through the respiratory tract. It can progress rapidly and requires prompt medical attention.
People who develop symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting or a rash should seek medical care promptly. Those identified as close contacts of a confirmed case should follow health authorities’ instructions and must not take antibiotics without medical guidance.
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