SỞ Y TẾ THÁI NGUYÊN CẢNH BÁO VIÊM MÀNG NÃO MÔ CẦU: CHỦ ĐỘNG CÔNG TÁC PHÒNG, CHỐNG BỆNH

THAI NGUYEN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WARNS ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS: PROACTIVELY IMPLEMENTING PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES

Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection transmitted through the respiratory tract and has the potential to cause outbreaks. In Vietnam, sporadic cases of meningococcal meningitis have been recorded in many localities, often increasing during the winter-spring season.

The disease commonly affects children and young adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those co-infected with respiratory tract infections. It often occurs in crowded places such as daycare centers, schools, dormitories, military barracks, etc.

Common clinical forms include purulent meningitis, septicemia, septic shock, arthritis, pericarditis, etc. Among these, purulent meningitis and septicemia are the most common. The disease may cause severe sequelae such as developmental delay, deafness, and paralysis, with a rate of 10–20%, and a mortality rate ranging from 8–15%.

According to statistics from the infectious disease surveillance system during the period 2022–2024, the former Thai Nguyen province recorded 01 confirmed/suspected meningococcal case, while the former Bac Kan province recorded 02 confirmed/suspected meningococcal cases.

In 2025, Thai Nguyen province recorded 03 cases of meningococcal disease: 02 cases in the former Bac Kan area and 01 case in the former Thai Nguyen area.

Implementing Official Dispatch No. 740/SYT-NVY dated January 27, 2026 issued by the Thai Nguyen Department of Health on implementing measures to prevent and control meningococcal disease, in order to proactively prevent and control meningococcal meningitis, the Thai Nguyen Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued the following warning:

- Closely monitor the situation of infectious diseases, including meningococcal disease.

Early detection of suspected cases is essential. Warning signs include:

• Sudden high fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Hemorrhagic rash (purpura)

When detecting suspected symptoms, people should seek medical examination immediately or notify the nearest health authority.

- The public is advised to implement the following preventive measures:

• Maintain good personal hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap.
• Gargle and rinse the mouth and throat with common antiseptic solutions for the nose and throat.
• Maintain a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and improve overall health.
• Clean living and working environments and ensure good ventilation.

- People are encouraged to proactively get vaccinated to prevent the disease.

Currently, the Vaccination Center – TNH Hospital System has ensured an adequate supply of meningococcal vaccines to serve the public, including:

• Bexsero (Origin: Italy)
• Menactra AC (Origin: USA)
• VA-Mengoc-BC (Origin: Cuba)
• MenQuadfi vaccine for meningococcal groups A, C, Y, W (Origin: USA)

People may refer to the vaccine list on the website: tnh.com.vn/goi-dich-vu-tiem-chung or contact the consultation hotline 1900 8035 for direct consultation and appointment scheduling.

In addition, people may visit the vaccination centers directly at the following addresses:

• Vaccination Center, 3rd Floor, Thai Nguyen International Hospital (328 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Thai Nguyen City)
• TNH Pho Yen Vaccination Center, 1st Floor, TNH Pho Yen Hospital (Tran Nguyen Han Street, Chua Residential Group, Van Xuan Ward, Thai Nguyen Province)

Working hours: from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, every day of the week (including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays).