Investigating the cause of the mass kidney disease outbreak among students in Nghe An.

(Baonghean.vn) - The health authorities of Nghean province and Que Phong district are still strictly monitoring cases and actively disseminating information and guiding people to go to medical facilities immediately when they have symptoms such as sore throat, purulent infections, and especially not to self-treat with traditional medicine.

On the morning of March 3, 2017, the Nghe An Department of Health released its final report on the cluster of glomerulonephritis cases in Hanh Dich commune, Que Phong district, which resulted in the deaths of two students. According to the report, the cause of the cluster of cases was infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria.

A report dated March 3, 2017, from the Nghe An Department of Health clearly identified the cause of the illness after receiving the test results. Photo: Thanh Chung.

The cause of the cluster of cases was determined from the results of tests conducted by the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology on blood samples from students with acute glomerulonephritis in Hanh Dich; and from the results of tests conducted by the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health on drinking and domestic water samples from the families of the two deceased patients, at Hanh Dich Secondary School, and from houses near the school. The test results showed that the chemical indicators in all water samples were within permissible limits.

Screening to identify disease risk for students in Hanh Dich commune. Photo: Thanh Chung.

To date, the disease situation in Hanh Dich commune has been brought under control. Local authorities, relevant agencies, and the people have actively implemented environmental and personal hygiene measures; 100% of the population has received Penicillin V for disease prevention.

Provincial and Que Phong district health authorities are still strictly monitoring cases and actively disseminating information and guiding people to seek medical attention immediately when experiencing symptoms such as sore throat, purulent infections, and especially to avoid self-treating with traditional medicine.

Thanh Chung