On 20/4, a representative from CDC Ca Mau stated that 10 days after the first case was detected, no new cases related to the outbreak have been recorded.
Previously, the prison had three suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Test results from the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City later confirmed two positive cases.
The first positive patient, 31 years old, was admitted to Ca Mau General Hospital on the afternoon of 7/4 in a confused state, experiencing severe vomiting, neck stiffness, and subcutaneous hemorrhage. Doctors diagnosed a fever of unknown origin, suspected meningitis/meningoencephalitis accompanied by septic shock, and continued intensive treatment.
The following day, the second positive case, 66 years old, was admitted with symptoms of high fever, confusion, rapid breathing, and quickly fell into a deep coma. The patient had multiple underlying health conditions, suffered from gastrointestinal septic shock, and died the following morning.
The remaining case was admitted on 9/4 after several days of high fever, cough, muscle pain, hypotension, pleural effusion, and subcutaneous hemorrhage. Initially, local healthcare facilities diagnosed sepsis, dengue fever, and pneumonia. Subsequent test results were negative for meningococcus, and this case was excluded from the outbreak.
Epidemiological investigation revealed that the three cases all lived and worked within the Cai Tau Prison compound. They had previously been in contact with a death in mid-March who exhibited high fever, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and hypotension. However, this individual had not been sampled for meningococcal testing before their death.
Immediately after detecting the cases, the health sector promptly investigated, contained, and managed the outbreak. Close contacts were isolated and monitored for 10 days. Authorities disinfected the environment in epidemiologically affected areas.
A total of 2,350 close contacts, including inmates, prison staff, medical personnel, and some related individuals outside the prison, were listed for management, health monitoring, and given prophylactic Azithromycin at a dose of 0,5 g.
Meningococcal bacteria cause acute infections that progress rapidly, carrying a high risk of death or severe sequelae if not detected and treated promptly. The disease is endemic year-round in Vietnam, typically increasing in incidence during autumn, winter, and spring.
The public is advised to maintain personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and wear masks when necessary. Should symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck, or hemorrhagic rash appear, individuals should seek early medical examination and treatment at a healthcare facility.
An Minh
