Nghe An: Hundreds of people examined and hospitalized every day due to meningitis syndrome

Since the beginning of March, at Nghe An Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, the number of children with the syndrome has increased.meningitisThe number of children hospitalized for treatment has increased dramatically. On average, about 130-150 children come to the clinic every day, and 20-30 children are hospitalized for this disease.

The Tropical Diseases Department currently has 151 patients, of which 132 have meningitis. Photo: Thanh Chung

On Monday morning, April 19, the Tropical Diseases Department of Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital had 151 patients being treated, including 132 patients with meningitis syndrome. Many families had 2-3 children admitted at the same time. For example, the family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien in Phuc Tho commune, Nghi Loc district.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien said: “At 5 am on April 13, her son, PTQ, 7 years old, had symptoms of severe headache and vomiting. She then took her son to Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital and was admitted to the Tropical Diseases Department. The doctors took samples for testing and diagnosed him with meningitis syndrome.

And just one day later, PTQ's older sister, PTNL (13 years old), also showed similar symptoms, so she was taken in for treatment with her. Up to now, the health of both sisters has somewhat recovered, and the symptoms have decreased."

Doctor examines child PTQ Photo: Thanh Chung

According to statistics from Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital: In previous years, meningitis syndrome also appeared, but this year the number of patients has increased many times. Cases began to appear from the beginning of March 2021 and have broken out violently since the beginning of April 2021 until now. Specifically, the disease appeared in both Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. In Nghe An, the disease appeared in almost all districts, cities and towns.

Of the 100 children treated at the Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, 20.4% were patients from Ha Tinh; 18% were from Vinh city, 15.6% from Thanh Chuong, 10.8% from Nghi Loc, and 8% from Dien Chau...

And not only children, this meningitis syndrome also appears in adults. Since the beginning of April, the Tropical Disease Center, Provincial General Hospital has also received 5-6 patients for treatment of this disease.

Meningitis syndrome has developed into an epidemic, present in many localities in the province. Photo: Thanh Chung

According to Master, Doctor Vo Manh Hung - Head of Tropical Department, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital: With symptoms of fever, vomiting, headache (meningitis syndrome), we think a lot about meningitis caused by Enterovirus (gastrointestinal virus). However, it is very difficult to determine which strain because this virus has up to 15 branches and 300 types.

Currently, the treatment of meningitis syndrome is mainly symptomatic treatment such as fever reduction, pain relief, anticonvulsant, if abnormal, use antibiotics and monitor to avoid serious developments. The disease will be cured after 10-14 days of treatment, leaving no sequelae.

Master, Doctor Vo Manh Hung recommends that everyone practice good personal hygiene to prevent disease. Photo: Thanh Chung

Additional information from Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital: Upon admission, these cases all recovered and were discharged after 10-14 days of treatment; no patients had to be transferred. Currently, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has not recorded any cases of cross-infection between pediatric patients and caregivers. To ensure epidemic prevention, from the beginning of the season, the Hospital has strictly isolated cases showing signs of meningitis as well as other infectious diseases in children.

Medical experts recommend: Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent meningitis syndrome. Therefore, to prevent the disease, people need to keep their houses clean and airy; clean barns, spray chemicals to kill intermediate animals that cause the disease; practice personal hygiene regularly; wash hands with soap regularly; wear masks in public places. At schools, teachers and teachers should avoid letting children share water cups and towels. When symptoms of severe headache, vomiting, and fever appear, patients should be taken immediately to medical facilities for timely examination, screening, and treatment.