“A 48-year-old female patient from Hà Nam was diagnosed with meningitis and septicemia caused by acute meningococcal infection,” reported Associate Professor Cường.
According to the patient’s son, on January 27, the patient traveled by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hà Nam for the Lunar New Year. On February 7 (the 8th day of the Lunar New Year), she began experiencing continuous chills and fever, with her condition worsening rapidly.
By evening, the patient exhibited symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, and delayed cognition. She was taken to a local hospital in Hà Nam for imaging and assessment before being transferred to Bach Mai Hospital for emergency care.
“Upon examination, we observed necrotic petechial rashes on her skin, and her cerebrospinal fluid appeared yellowish and cloudy. We suspected meningococcal meningitis and immediately initiated targeted antibiotic treatment while isolating the patient,” explained Associate Professor Cường.
Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PCR tests confirmed that the patient tested positive for the dangerous type B meningococcal bacteria.
According to Associate Professor Cường, after receiving timely and appropriate treatment, the patient showed significant improvement. Her fever and headaches subsided, the necrotic rashes nearly disappeared, and she is now stable, potentially being discharged within a few days.
In addition to treating the patient, close contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, were alerted and prescribed preventive medication.
Furthermore, the Tropical Center notified relevant units such as the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the Hà Nam CDC to conduct epidemiological investigations and implement preventive measures against potential outbreaks in the community.
According to the Director of the Tropical Center, meningococcal meningitis is a dangerous infectious disease classified under group B.
The bacteria reside in the throat and spread through respiratory droplets, commonly occurring in densely populated areas.
Young individuals, those without immunity, and unvaccinated people are most susceptible. The disease often progresses rapidly, causing meningitis, septicemia, multi-organ failure, and even death.
Meningococcal meningitis manifests in various forms; milder cases resemble other types of meningitis and can be treated within approximately two weeks.
However, in severe cases, the disease advances quickly over a few days, accompanied by sudden high fever, intense headaches, vomiting, altered consciousness, rapid onset of comas, and necrotic petechial rashes on the skin, which may lead to shock and swift fatality.
“If cerebrospinal fluid appears cloudy during a lumbar puncture, healthcare providers should immediately consider meningococcal infection for prompt treatment,” emphasized Associate Professor Cường.
He noted that meningococcal meningitis has a mortality rate of 10-20%. Severe cases, including septicemia and acute adrenal failure, can result in death within 24 hours. Therefore, suspected cases must be treated and isolated promptly.
“Although purulent meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria is not common, occurring sporadically or imported from other regions, its rapid progression and high mortality rate necessitate early diagnosis and treatment at medical facilities.
Moreover, this disease can be prevented through vaccination, so residents are encouraged to get vaccinated proactively,” concluded Associate Professor Cường.
