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Monday, 14/7/2025 | 14:24 GMT+7

Meningococcal disease: From flu-like symptoms to death in 24 hours

Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal within 24 hours. It starts with nonspecific symptoms, followed by nausea, difficulty breathing, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash.

"Despite medical advancements in treatment and antibiotics, the mortality rate for invasive meningococcal disease remains very high," Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh Tuan, Director of the Center for Clinical Biomedical Testing and Technical Science Services at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, said at the Phuong Chau Medical Group's annual scientific conference last week.

Specifically, 50% of patients with invasive meningococcal disease die if left untreated. 8-15% of patients die even with early diagnosis and adequate treatment. One in 5 survivors experience permanent disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, limb amputation due to necrosis, leading to lifelong disability.

According to Dr. Tuan, the danger lies in the rapid progression of meningococcal disease within 24 hours. Initial symptoms are often vague, resembling the flu, which can lead to complacency and misdiagnosis. Subsequently, symptoms escalate rapidly, and the patient's condition quickly deteriorates.

Common progression of symptoms in invasive meningococcal disease within 24 hours. Photo courtesy of the doctor

Common progression of symptoms in invasive meningococcal disease within 24 hours. Photo courtesy of the doctor

"Symptoms and onset time can vary between age groups and individuals," the doctor said.

In Vietnam, the disease has been sporadic in recent years, mostly appearing as isolated cases. 12 cases of meningococcal disease were recorded in eight of the 20 southern provinces and cities in the first 4 months of this year, an increase of 9 cases compared to the same period last year. Experts predict that more new cases may be recorded in the coming period if control measures are not implemented early.

The bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal disease, usually resides in the throat. Under favorable conditions, it can invade the body, causing two main dangerous conditions: septicemia (accounting for 35-40% of cases) and meningitis (accounting for 50% of cases). Invasive meningococcal disease can occur at any age, with the highest risk being in children under 4 years old and adolescents aged 15 to 24.

This bacteria is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The disease often occurs in crowded communities such as kindergartens, schools, factories, worker dormitories, student hostels, and military barracks, especially newly established and cramped ones. Recently, a 23-year-old soldier in northern Vietnam died from fulminant meningococcal sepsis. Last year, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City reported the death of a 52-year-old woman from meningococcal disease due to late detection and treatment.

The 6 most common and dangerous serogroups of meningococcal bacteria are A, B, C, X, Y, and W. Some studies indicate that serogroup B is predominant in cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Vietnam.

Because the disease is spread through droplets, preventive measures such as maintaining hygiene and ventilation in living and working spaces are necessary. Practice personal hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water, refraining from spitting in public, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wear a mask when sick, in close contact with someone who is sick, or in crowded places, especially hospitals.

There are various vaccines against different serogroups of meningococcal bacteria available for disease prevention. If you have been in close contact with someone with meningococcal disease, inform local health officials to receive prophylactic antibiotics. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, and a stiff neck, seek immediate medical attention for examination and prompt treatment.

Le Phuong

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/24-gio-tu-giong-cam-cum-den-tu-vong-nhanh-cua-nao-mo-cau-4913603.html
Tags: photophobia meningococcal disease stiff neck

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