The family reported that nine hours before being hospitalized on 16/3, the girl developed a fever, fatigue, and headache. Her condition quickly deteriorated, with a full-body rash, cyanosis, and difficulty breathing. Doctors at Phu Quoc Medical Center initiated intensive resuscitation, but the disease progressed rapidly, and she passed away on the same day.
On the afternoon of 18/3, a representative from the An Giang Department of Health stated they are awaiting test results from the Pasteur Institute to determine the cause. Despite this, health authorities quickly implemented containment measures, epidemiological surveillance, and disinfected the girl's classroom, treating it as a suspected meningococcal infection.
Meningococcal disease is highly contagious and progresses rapidly. Given Phu Quoc's isolated environment, health authorities swiftly conducted epidemiological investigations and implemented containment measures to prevent community transmission.
Last year, the Ministry of Health recorded 95 meningococcal meningitis cases nationwide, a rise of 74 cases compared to 2024, resulting in three deaths. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium *Neisseria meningitidis*, which has over 12 serogroups. Among these, A, B, C, W, and Y are the most common, with serogroups W and C known to cause high mortality rates.
The disease occurs year-round and can lead to small outbreaks during colder months. Children, students residing in dormitories, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered high-risk. The presence of asymptomatic carriers within the community makes controlling the disease challenging.
Associate Professor Doctor Pham Quang Thai, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, emphasized that meningococcal disease is a high-risk illness due to its rapid fatality. The swift progression often leaves insufficient time for intervention, particularly when initial symptoms like high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, or a hemorrhagic rash are dismissed.
Without prompt treatment, the mortality rate can reach 50% within 24 to 48 hours. Even with intensive care, the fatality rate remains between 8% and 15%. Approximately 20% of survivors experience lifelong neurological or physical sequelae, including deafness, brain damage, limb necrosis, or cognitive impairment.
Ngoc Tai
