Dr. Le Thi Gam, Medical Manager of the VNVC Vaccination System, highlighted this issue as hospitals continue to report cases of septic shock and multiple organ failure stemming from minor, improperly treated wounds. In early August, the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases admitted two patients: one with tetanus and multiple organ damage, and another with severe septic shock, toxemia, multiple organ failure, and necrotizing fasciitis from a small wound. Dr. Gam listed several types of bacteria that can enter through open wounds and cause serious illness, urging the public not to underestimate the risks.

Tetanus

Tetanus bacteria exist in the environment in an inactive state called spores. They are present in soil, dust, sewage, and contaminated water sources, often entering the human body and causing illness through wounds sustained in traffic accidents, household injuries, or animal bites.

Tetanus causes whole-body muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, convulsions, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, multiple organ failure, and carries a mortality rate of up to 90%. The disease is preventable with a vaccine, which is 95% effective.

Three patients with tetanus complicated by respiratory failure from minor wounds are being treated with ventilators at Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, 4/8. Photo: Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital

Three patients with tetanus complicated by respiratory failure from minor wounds are being treated with ventilators at Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, 4/8. Photo: Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are commonly found in the nose and on the skin of healthy individuals. Under favorable conditions such as open wounds, weakened immune systems, or poor hygiene, the bacteria can enter the body and cause illness. Infected individuals may develop boils, impetigo, deep tissue damage, septic shock, and even death.

Dr. Gam noted that everyday habits like squeezing pimples, sharing personal items, and poor personal hygiene can increase the risk of staphylococcus aureus infection.

Flesh-eating bacteria

Two bacteria are known as flesh-eating bacteria: Vibrio vulnificus and Aeromonas hydrophila. They are found in the sea, mud, sewage, or as parasites in seafood such as shrimp, snails, clams, fish, frogs, and reptiles. After entering through the skin, the bacteria enter the bloodstream, releasing toxins that attack soft tissues and organs, causing necrotizing fasciitis, skin and muscle necrosis. Individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying chronic conditions like cirrhosis or diabetes are more susceptible to complications and have a higher risk of death.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe illness within 48 hours of infection, with a mortality rate of up to 50%. People who swim in the sea, handle seafood, farm, or wade in water are at higher risk of infection.

Leptospira

Dr. Gam explained that leptospira bacteria exist in contaminated water and soil, entering the human body through abrasions or mucous membranes. The bacteria release toxins that cause liver cell necrosis and kidney damage, with symptoms including high fever, muscle aches, jaundice, and yellow eyes.

In Vietnam, leptospirosis is widespread in rural and urban areas, mountainous regions, and coastal areas. Currently, the disease occurs sporadically in Vietnam, especially during the rainy and flood seasons.

Pregnant women receive the 3-in-1 vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus at the VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Pregnant women receive the 3-in-1 vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus at the VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Prevention

According to Dr. Gam, minor skin injuries can serve as entry points for these dangerous bacteria, especially when exposed to contaminated water, seawater, mud, or stagnant ponds. The rainy and flood seasons create favorable conditions for these bacteria to thrive and spread.

To prevent disease, people should maintain environmental hygiene, clear drainage systems, treat stagnant water, and use protective gear during work. When in contact with floodwater or mud, wear boots and gloves, clean the body thoroughly after working, and disinfect wounds carefully.

Among the mentioned pathogens, tetanus is preventable with a vaccine. Complete vaccination is recommended for maximum effectiveness. Children who have completed the basic vaccination schedule including tetanus, such as the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccines, should receive booster shots at 4-6 years old, 9-15 years old, and every 10 years thereafter. Adults who have not been vaccinated or do not remember their vaccination history should receive three doses and a booster every 10 years or when injured. If fully vaccinated, only one booster shot of tetanus vaccine is needed for any wound, regardless of its severity or contamination, and no tetanus antitoxin is required.

Pregnant women should receive a single tetanus vaccine or a combined diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine during pregnancy to protect themselves and their fetus, reducing the risk of neonatal tetanus in newborns.

Thao Linh