In a dispatch dated November 25, the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health requested that the Cao Bang Department of Health and the Central Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology direct relevant units and localities to urgently strengthen the review of close contacts with the diphtheria case.

Measures include making early surveillance and detection of suspected cases in outbreak areas and communities, timely sampling for diagnosis, conducting investigations, closely monitoring and providing prophylactic antibiotics for all close contacts, implementing environmental disinfection in outbreak areas, and carrying out comprehensive outbreak response measures as guided by the Ministry of Health.

It is important to review individuals who have not been vaccinated or who have incomplete vaccination against diphtheria in the area; and organize supplementary vaccinations and catch-up immunizations, with priority to be given to outbreak areas, nearby regions, and areas with low vaccination coverage, says the dispatch.

The Department of Preventive Medicine also recommended that relevant units enhance communication about diphtheria to encourage the public to proactively implement prevention measures. They should closely monitor the health of children and students in schools, regularly ensure cleanliness and ventilation in classrooms, and promptly notify health facilities when suspected cases are identified for thorough management, preventing any potential outbreak of the disease.

An 11-year-old schoolgirl in Thach Lam commune of Bao Lam district, Cao Bang province, had died after a week of suffering a cough and high temperatures.

Health authorities said from November 14 the girl experienced a cough and fever but continued to attend school. After a week of taking medication without improvement, her condition worsened. The family took her to the district health center for examination and treatment, but due to the severity of her illness, she passed away the same day.

On November 23, the Central Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology confirmed that her clinical sample tested positive for diphtheria.

On November 25, the Cao Bang Center for Disease Control (CDC) dispatched a team of health workers to monitor and assist in the epidemiological investigation related to the diphtheria case.

Health workers made a list of close contacts with the patient who are at high risk of infection. They collected eight clinical samples from family members for testing and provided prophylactic treatment to the close contacts. They also implemented environmental decontamination measures using chloramine B.

Currently, the locality has not reported any additional suspected cases of diphtheria. However, it is anticipated that there may be more diphtheria cases in the area in the near future.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is typically spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected individual.

Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, sore throat, swollen throat, and the presence of a white or gray membrane in the throat. The disease can lead to serious complications, such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) or nerve damage.

Diphtheria can be fully prevented through vaccination, which is usually administered in childhood vaccination programmes. Ensuring complete and timely vaccination is the most effective way to protect the community from diphtheria.

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