Meningococcal disease spreads through the respiratory tract via coughing, sneezing, or talking, and by touching contaminated objects then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. According to Doctor Huynh Tran An Khuong, a medical expert at VNVC Vaccination System, the illness can affect people of all ages but is most common in children under one year old, adolescents, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Meningococcal disease primarily manifests in two severe forms: bacterial meningitis and sepsis, which can occur together. Both are dangerous, progress rapidly, and have a high mortality rate if not treated promptly. Therefore, early detection and timely treatment are crucial for patient survival and rapid recovery.

A 22-year-old man with meningococcal meningitis was successfully treated at Central Military Hospital 108. Photo: Central Military Hospital 108

Early signs of meningococcal disease include headache, sudden fever above 38 degrees C, severe muscle aches, loss of appetite, stiff neck, and frequent vomiting. In cases of meningococcal meningitis, about 95% of patients experience headache, stiff neck, and fever. Young children may also show unusual irritability, refusal to feed, and lethargy.

A rash may appear early in the disease as pale maculopapular spots that fade when pressed. These can then progress to a petechial or purpuric rash, or even disappear. However, not everyone develops a rash immediately; in many cases, it appears later, typically between 13 and 22 hours after symptom onset.

Additionally, symptoms such as limb pain, cold hands and feet, and unusual skin discoloration (pale or mottled) often emerge within the first 7-12 hours, especially in children and adolescents. However, because initial symptoms are often vague and easily confused with common respiratory infections, patients frequently seek medical attention late, increasing the risk of mortality and severe long-term complications.

Recently, many meningococcal disease cases have been successfully saved. Central Military Hospital 108 reported the successful treatment of a 22-year-old man with meningococcal meningitis and sepsis, thanks to early detection and prompt management. Previously, the Cao Bang Department of Health announced the survival of a baby born in 2024 who had meningococcal disease. The family brought the child to the hospital immediately after symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and a stiff neck appeared.

Children receiving meningococcal disease vaccine at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Doctor Khuong advises people to contact a medical facility immediately if they experience a sudden high fever, to receive an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

To prevent the disease, people should maintain personal hygiene by washing hands frequently, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wearing masks in crowded places. Individuals with suspected symptoms should seek early medical examination and avoid contact with others.

Vaccination is a proactive and effective prevention method, offering up to 95% protection. According to research in the US, meningococcal A, C, W, Y vaccination significantly reduced the disease burden caused by the bacteria in adolescents and young adults between 2005 and 2021.

Currently, meningococcal vaccines are available through private vaccination services, with five types protecting against the human disease-causing serogroups: A, B, C, Y, W-135. Specifically, the meningococcal B vaccine is for children from two months to adults 50 years old, and the BC vaccine is for children from six months to 45 years old. There are three types of meningococcal A, C, Y, W-135 vaccines, two of which are administered to children from six weeks old to adults of all ages. Individuals need to receive a combination of these vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection against all five disease-causing serogroups.

Dieu An

VNVC is currently running a promotional program for all vaccines and packages for children and adults, including 30,000 free quadrivalent flu shots for residents and soldiers in the central and Central Highlands, north central, and Thai Nguyen regions affected by storms and floods. Additionally, the unit is offering tuberculosis vaccines, tetanus vaccines, and many other gifts available at VNVC. This program aims to spread a spirit of sharing, helping people take care of their health during the approaching Tet Nguyen Dan holiday season. People can download the VNVC Mobile App, which integrates an electronic vaccination record and a golden discount wallet, to manage family vaccination information and receive timely updates on VNVC promotions.