Signs of meningococcus – a disease that can kill in 24 hours

The Ministry of Health recorded 95 cases of meningococcal disease nationwide this year, an increase of 74 cases compared to 2024 and 3 deaths, warning of the disease returning after many years of sporadic outbreaks. The acute progression, easy to mistake for flu, high mortality rate and severe sequelae make experts warn that this is a public health threat that needs to be proactively prevented and detected early.

Meningococcus is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, with more than 12 serogroups, of which A, B, C, W, Y are the most common, of which 2 groups W and C are recorded to cause high mortality rates. The disease appears year-round but easily breaks out into small outbreaks during the cold season. Children, students living together in dormitories, and people with weak resistance are high-risk groups.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Quang Thai, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control, Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said the disease is always in the highest risk group because of its ability to cause rapid death. The mortality rate can be up to 50% in 24-48 hours if not treated promptly. Meningococcal disease can have clinical forms: meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, arthritis, otitis media, pericarditis… Among them, meningitis and septicemia are the most common and dangerous clinical forms.

In clinical practice, Dr. Do Thien Hai, Deputy Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases, National Children’s Hospital, noted that the majority of patients are admitted to the hospital late because the first signs are only fever, fatigue, and headache. Parents often think their children have a common cold, so they don’t take them to the doctor. However, just a few hours later, the bacteria can cause sepsis, mental disorders, seizures and multiple organ failure.

The incubation period is from 2 to 10 days, but once it begins, the disease progresses hour by hour. Some characteristic signs such as necrotic purpura, stiff neck, neck pain or confusion often appear when the disease is severe. This is why early diagnosis is extremely difficult, especially at the grassroots level, where in-depth testing is limited.

Meningococcal disease is transmitted mainly through the respiratory tract through saliva and nasopharyngeal fluid when in close contact with sick people or healthy people carrying the bacteria. Just a small droplet of fluid ejected when coughing, talking, or sharing personal items can make someone else infected.

The vague symptoms in the early stages prevent many cases from being tested to identify the cause. Besides, fluctuations in seropositivity over time and region make detecting and predicting epidemic trends very difficult. More worryingly, serogroups W and C are accounting for the highest mortality rates. Some strains have strong virulence and rapid invasiveness, making the disease more severe.

To prevent disease, the health sector recommends that people, especially in endemic areas, practice good personal hygiene such as washing hands regularly with soap, rinsing the mouth and throat with common antiseptic solutions. Eat enough nutrients, exercise, improve your physical condition. Practice good hygiene and ventilation in living and working areas. Actively vaccinate against diseases at medical facilities. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination is one of the most effective measures to prevent some common types of bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal meningitis.

When you detect signs of suspected illness, you should see a doctor or immediately notify the nearest medical agency. Absolutely do not self-treat.