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Whitmore patients on the rise in central Vietnam

The number of Whitmore patients has been on the rise in the central region of Vietnam with many being in critical condition.

The number of Whitmore patients has been on the rise in the central region of Vietnam with many being in critical condition.

According to Hue Central Hospital, the hospital has received up to 30 Whitmore cases since early October. Most of the patients are from Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces.

Many patients who were hospitalised late have faced infection and multiorgan dysfunction, causing difficulties in treatment.

Whitmore patients on the rise in central Vietnam - 1
 

A  Whitmore patient at Hue Central Hospital.


Between 2014 and 2019, the hospital saw 83 Whitmore patients.

The surge has been attributed to the rainy weather, particularly following recent floods.

Whitmore’s disease is a dangerous acute infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil or water. Symptoms include fever, pneumonia, abscesses and inflammation of the brain and joints.

The disease was first spotted in the world in 1911 and in Vietnam in 1936.

There is currently is no vaccine for the disease which can even kill patients within two days.

The disease has a high mortality rate of approximately 40% if the patient is misdiagnosed and does not get proper treatment.
Source: dtinews.vn, Danviet
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