3 children with Whitmore disease discovered in Nghe An

According to statistics from Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, from July to September 2019, the hospital detected and treated 3 cases of Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease.

The 3 cases of Melioidosis, or Whitmore's disease, are patient Nghiem Thanh T, 14 years old (Duc Tho - Ha Tinh), treated for 50 days and now discharged from the hospital, and 2 children Hoang Van C, 10 years old (Thanh Ngoc, Thanh Chuong), Nguyen Cong H, 11 years old (Cong Thanh, Yen Thanh) are currently being monitored and treated at the ENT Department, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

One of three cases treated at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

These three cases were recorded when they came to the hospital with an abscessed parotid gland and eardrum. When they arrived at the hospital, their condition was already severe because they had been treated at home thinking it was similar to mumps; but when the doctors cultured the pus and tested their blood, they were found to be positive for Whitmore.

Whitmore is a dangerous acute infectious disease caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacterium exists in the natural environment (soil, water) and causes disease when conditions permit, and is more common in people who are in direct contact with soil and water. Humans can be infected with this bacterium by penetrating the skin from an open wound or injury. The disease has no obvious symptoms and is easily confused with many other diseases, but can cause rapid death.

The mortality rate of Whitmore's disease can be up to 50% - 60%. Currently, it is the rainy season, which is a favorable time for Whitmore bacteria to develop. Even when Whitmore's disease is confirmed, treatment is extremely difficult. Patients often have to use high-dose intravenous antibiotics continuously for at least 2 to 4 weeks, then use antibiotics for maintenance for about 3 to 6 months.