Ministry of Health sets up diphtheria prevention and control monitoring team in Ha Giang and Dien Bien

In mid-August 2023, in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province, a case of a patient dying from diphtheria was recorded, VMD, 15 years old, Mong ethnic group (address in Khau Vai B village, Khau Vai commune). This is also the first case of diphtheria in the province in nearly 20 years.

On August 14, the patient was admitted to Meo Vac District General Hospital with a sore throat, fatigue, high fever, and symptoms of diphtheria. On August 23, the patient was transferred to the Provincial General Hospital for examination, testing, and treatment. On August 24, the National Institute of Epidemiology responded that patient VMD's sample was positive for diphtheria. On the same day, August 24, the patient died and was taken back to his hometown for burial.

Previously, from April 30 to May 21, Dien Bien province recorded 2 cases of diphtheria, with 1 death in Pu Nhi commune, Dien Bien Dong district. The epidemiological factors of the two cases in this outbreak are unclear.

To inspect, monitor and direct the prevention and control of diphtheria in Ha Giang and Dien Bien provinces, the Ministry of Health has decided to establish two inspection and supervision teams led by the leaders of the Department of Preventive Medicine and the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management. The inspection teams also have the participation of a number of departments and functional agencies of the Ministry of Health and experts from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the National Children's Hospital.

The two working groups are tasked with working with the Steering Committee for Disease Prevention and Control of Dien Bien and Ha Giang provinces on diphtheria prevention and control in the area; inspecting the contents of monitoring and handling outbreaks; diphtheria vaccination; admission and treatment of diphtheria patients; communication and response to epidemic prevention. At the same time, the Group will assess and assess the situation and propose solutions to control diphtheria in the locality in the coming time.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, diphtheria is an acute infectious and toxic disease caused by diphtheria bacteria; the disease is common in young children, but can also occur in adults without immunity.

The disease is easily transmitted through the respiratory tract or through direct contact with secretions from the nasal and throat mucosa of patients or healthy carriers when coughing or sneezing, especially in crowded residential areas or places with poor hygiene conditions.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, often with white pseudomembranes in the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, and can appear on the skin, other mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva or genitals. Severe cases can cause complications and death.

Previously, the disease was quite common in most localities across the country; since diphtheria vaccine was included in the expanded immunization program, the disease has been controlled and only a few sporadic cases have been recorded due to lack of vaccination, often occurring in remote areas where vaccination rates are low.

Diphtheria has not been eliminated in our country, so people can still get the disease if they have not been vaccinated and come into contact with the pathogen.

To proactively prevent and control diphtheria, the Department of Preventive Medicine recommends that people should take their children to get vaccinated against diphtheria according to the full and correct vaccination schedule; wash hands regularly with soap; cover mouth when coughing or sneezing; maintain daily personal hygiene, nose and throat; limit contact with people who are sick or suspected of being sick; ensure that houses, kindergartens and classrooms are airy, clean and have enough light.

When there are signs of illness or suspected illness, the patient must be isolated and taken to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. People in the epidemic area must strictly comply with taking preventive medicine and getting vaccinated as prescribed and required by the health authorities.