{"id":3433,"date":"2026-10-23T13:45:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T06:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/?p=3433"},"modified":"2026-10-23T13:49:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T06:49:05","slug":"meningococcal-disease-transmission-complications-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/meningococcal-disease-transmission-complications-and-prevention","title":{"rendered":"MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE: TRANSMISSION, COMPLICATIONS, AND PREVENTION"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meningococcal disease is a dangerous acute infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted through respiratory droplets during close contact or in crowded living environments. It can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within just 24 hours. Early recognition of suspected symptoms, combined with proactive vaccination, is an effective approach to protecting public health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. What is meningococcal disease?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Meningococcal disease is an acute infectious disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis<\/em>, a Gram-negative diplococcus. The bacterium is classified into multiple serogroups, among which A, B, C, W, X, and Y are the major serogroups responsible for invasive meningococcal disease worldwide [2].<\/span><\/p>\n

The disease can affect people of all ages, with particular attention needed for young children, adolescents, and individuals with risk factors. It can progress rapidly, causing meningitis, bloodstream infection (meningococcemia), and life-threatening complications within hours [1], [2].<\/span><\/p>\n

Meningococcal disease situation in Vietnam<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

According to information from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), during the first 14 weeks of 2026, Vietnam recorded 24 cases of meningococcal disease, including four deaths. The number of cases increased by nearly 50% compared with the same period in 2025 [3].<\/span><\/p>\n

Notably, on October 19, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported a cluster of four serogroup B meningococcal disease cases associated with Hai Ba Trung Secondary School in Hiep Phuoc Commune. One case resulted in death, while the other three patients were reported to be in stable condition under treatment [4].<\/span><\/p>\n

With meningococcal disease being reported in several localities, raising public awareness, recognizing symptoms early, and proactively implementing preventive measures are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image: Fever and severe headache<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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2. How is meningococcal disease transmitted?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Meningococcal disease is transmitted primarily through the respiratory route. The source of infection is not limited to people who are ill; healthy individuals carrying the bacteria without symptoms may also spread the pathogen. Such asymptomatic carriage is estimated to occur in approximately 5\u201325% of the general population. Although the bacterium is not as easily transmitted as viruses that cause common colds or influenza, the risk of transmission increases in the following circumstances:<\/span><\/p>\n