According to the Kien Giang provincial Department of Health on March 21, a suspected new case has been identified among a group of 36 students who were classmates of a child who died from serogroup B meningococcal disease. The new patient is currently receiving treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, with stable health conditions and a positive recovery prognosis.

Earlier, on March 16, the Phu Quoc Medical Centre admitted an 11-year-old girl in septic shock with a widespread rash. Her vaccination history was unclear, and she had no known contact with confirmed cases. Despite receiving treatment in line with national health protocols, the disease progressed rapidly, and she died shortly after being discharged at her family’s request.

Health authorities traced 45 close contacts related to the initial case, including family members and residents sharing the same accommodation area. All identified contacts were given preventive antibiotics or vaccinated, and no additional suspected cases have been reported so far.

Other localities have also recorded infections. In the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, a 47-year-old woman was hospitalised in critical condition with high fever, fatigue and severe body aches. Initially self-medicating at home, her condition deteriorated within a day and was later diagnosed as severe septic shock with multiple organ failure.

Similar severe cases were reported in Vinh Long and Lam Dong provinces, including a 14-year-old student whose case led to 69 close contacts being placed under medical monitoring. Nationwide, more than 95 cases were recorded in 2025, including at least three deaths.

Meningococcal disease symptoms include high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, fatigue, confusion, and in some cases a characteristic purplish rash or septic shock. The disease is confirmed through laboratory testing detecting the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid, blood or skin lesions.

Medical experts warn that meningococcal disease can be life-threatening and progress rapidly. Without timely treatment, the fatality rate can reach up to 50% within 24 to 48 hours. Even with intensive care, mortality ranges from 8 to 15%, while about 20% of survivors may suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb necrosis.

The disease spreads through respiratory droplets, and some individuals may carry the bacteria without symptoms, unknowingly transmitting it within the community. This makes early detection and prevention especially important.

Authorities recommend basic preventive measures, including maintaining personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, using antiseptic mouthwash, wearing masks when experiencing respiratory symptoms, and avoiding close contact with suspected cases.

Vaccination is an effective preventive measure, particularly for children and those living in high-risk areas or with known exposure. However, health experts advise against rushing to vaccination sites unless necessary, as crowded settings may increase the risk of spreading other respiratory infections.

Instead, the public is encouraged to stay vigilant, recognise early warning signs, especially unusual skin rashes, and seek prompt medical attention, which is critical in reducing severe complications and fatalities.

Refining rare disease management policies needed to ensure equitable health care

The Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health on February 28 held a national event marking the International Rare Disease Day and a workshop on building a national rare disease list and financial solutions for orphan drugs in Vietnam.