HANOI, Jul 9 (NNN-VNA) – An 18-year-old female student has died from diphtheria, in Vietnam’s central province of Nghe An, local media reported today.
Among seven students who shared the dormitory rooms with the deceased, two reportedly travelled to Bac Giang province. One of them then tested positive for diphtheria.
According to the provincial disease control centre, 119 people have been in contact with the deceased since she developed the illness symptoms. They have been in quarantine for health supervision.
The dead patient reportedly showed signs of fever, coughing, and sore throat on Jun 26, and bought medicine at a local pharmacy for self-treatment.
She visited a district-level healthcare centre for a check-up on Jul 1, and was transferred to the Nghe An province’s general hospital on Jul 4.
Being diagnosed with septic shock/diphtheria, complications of myocarditis, multiple organ failure, coagulation disorders and thrombocytopenia, she died in the afternoon on Jul 5.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. In advanced stages, diphtheria can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly, especially in children.– NNN-VNA
