On November 9, the Tay Ninh Department of Health announced that laboratory tests had confirmed both cases were positive for group B meningococcal bacteria.
Doctors treat a patient who tested positive for meningococcal bacteria in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: B.T.).
The first patient is a 53-year-old man from Binh Hiep Commune who works at a factory in Hau Nghia Commune, Tay Ninh Province.
He developed a fever and seizures on November 3 and was taken to hospital for treatment. He was isolated and tested, with results from the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute confirming group B meningococcal infection on the afternoon of November 6.
An epidemiological investigation found that two co-workers sharing a room with the patient had developed coughs and fevers. They were taken to hospital for monitoring and testing, and given preventive antibiotics in accordance with regulations.
Other people who had been in contact with the patient, including those without symptoms, were also placed under health surveillance and given preventive antibiotics.
The second case involves a seven-year-old boy from Duc Hue Commune. He developed a fever on November 3, followed by seizures, and was transferred to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
On November 8, the Tay Ninh Department of Health received confirmation from the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute that the boy had tested positive for group B meningococcal bacteria. People who had been in contact with him were also identified, investigated epidemiologically and given preventive antibiotics.
In response, provincial health authorities are continuing to identify and monitor close contacts, while working to detect suspected cases early in communities and healthcare facilities.
Authorities are also stepping up public awareness campaigns and advising residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene and ensure living spaces are well ventilated, particularly in crowded areas.
Residents have been urged to monitor their health and seek medical attention promptly if they develop unusual symptoms, particularly a fever after contact with someone who has a confirmed or suspected infection.
