Health Ministry warns over meningococcal cluster, another case recorded

Health authorities step up disease control measures

The Ministry of Health said on the evening of October 17 that three cases of meningococcal disease had been recorded at Hai Ba Trung Secondary School in Hiep Phuoc Commune between October 14 and 16. All three patients were born in 2014 and were in Grade 7. One died, while the other two were receiving treatment and being monitored in isolation at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health subsequently reported a fourth case at the school on October 17, bringing the total to four. The latest patient, a 12-year-old boy who had been in close contact with one of the previously confirmed cases, developed a high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and scattered spots of bleeding under the skin. A blood PCR test returned positive for meningococcal bacteria of serogroup B. He also tested positive for influenza B and was reported to be in stable condition while continuing treatment.

In response to the cluster, the Ministry of Health’s Department of Preventive Medicine has directed the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and the municipal Department of Health to coordinate investigations and disease-control efforts.

Health authorities are identifying close contacts at the school and in patients’ households, monitoring their health and arranging tests where necessary. Those identified as close contacts are being monitored for 10 days, while preventive antibiotics are being provided to eligible individuals in accordance with medical guidance.

Hospitals have been instructed to maintain isolation and treatment measures and strictly follow infection-control procedures. At the school, health and education authorities are coordinating cleaning and disinfection, improving ventilation and advising pupils on personal hygiene.

Public urged to watch for early symptoms

Meningococcal disease is a serious acute infectious illness that can progress rapidly and cause severe complications. The Ministry of Health has urged people who have been in close contact with the patients to monitor their health and contact healthcare facilities for advice if they develop unusual symptoms.

Warning signs include high fever, headache, nausea, a stiff neck or a rash, particularly a rash caused by bleeding under the skin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately rather than wait for them to subside.

The ministry advises the public not to buy or take antibiotics preventively without instructions from healthcare professionals. People are also encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, keep living and learning spaces well ventilated, and maintain good hygiene. Wearing masks in crowded public places and on public transport, and avoiding close contact with people who are ill, may also help reduce the risk of infection.

The Ministry of Health said it would continue monitoring the cluster, assessing the risk and providing timely updates to support preventive efforts and protect public health.

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.