The Ministry of Health issued the warning on 13/4, noting a recent increase in meningococcal cases. This year's figures are higher than the 14 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. Although cases are scattered across the community and no concentrated outbreaks have formed, the disease poses an ongoing risk to public health, particularly for children.
A surveillance report covering weeks 1 to 14 of 2026 indicates 24 meningococcal cases nationwide, resulting in 4 deaths. The Ministry of Health highlights that children under 15 years old account for 46% of all cases, urging caution regarding infections in this age group.
Recently, three individuals in Ca Mau are suspected of meningococcal meningitis, one of whom died. Health authorities are actively containing and managing this cluster. This follows the death of an 11-year-old girl in Phu Quoc, who succumbed to meningococcal type B after experiencing fever, headache, rash, cyanosis, and breathing difficulties.
Clinically, the disease can cause rapid death or devastating long-term complications. Children's Hospital 2 is currently treating a 7-month-old baby who had not received the meningococcal vaccine. The baby's condition rapidly worsened just one day after symptoms appeared, including high fever, lethargy, and scattered petechiae. After two weeks of continuous dialysis, the baby survived, but the fingertips became necrotic, necessitating amputation.
Health officials have not yet identified the exact cause for the increase in meningococcal cases this year compared to the previous year.
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Image of hemorrhagic rash in a child infected with meningococcal disease. *Photo: Hospital provided* |
Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium. It primarily spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers. This dangerous infectious disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe conditions like purulent meningitis and septicemia. Without timely detection and treatment, it can result in serious consequences, including deafness, paralysis, developmental delays, or even death.
The Ministry of Health advises the public to heighten disease prevention awareness and proactively adopt protective health measures for themselves, their families, and communities. Key recommendations include: practicing good personal hygiene, regularly washing hands with soap and clean water, gargling with nasal and throat antiseptic solutions, wearing masks in public places and on public transport, and limiting contact with sick individuals.
Maintain environmental hygiene by increasing ventilation in homes, schools, and workplaces. Regularly clean daily contact surfaces, such as door handles, tabletops, and toys, with soap or common detergents.
Ensure a nutritious diet and regular exercise to boost immunity. If symptoms like high fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck, or hemorrhagic rash appear, individuals should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest facility. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications and fatalities.
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