Three patients died from diphtheria

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) has just sent a document to the hospitals under the Ministry of Health; the Department of Health of provinces and centrally-run cities; and the Health Departments of ministries and branches on strengthening the diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria.

Up to now, in Ha Giang and Dien Bien provinces, the diphtheria epidemic situation is complicated and 3 deaths have been recorded.

3 patients died from leukemia, Ministry of Health directs image 1 — In Ha Giang and Dien Bien provinces, the diphtheria epidemic situation is complicated and 3 deaths have been recorded (photo source: Internet).

In order to enhance early detection of diphtheria cases, timely isolation and treatment and minimize the number of deaths, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment requires units to urgently train and review the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria issued with Decision No. 2957/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health dated July 10, 2020 for all medical staff participating in medical examination and treatment to detect suspected cases early for isolation and early treatment - including private medical facilities in the area.

Medical units need to review procedures, equipment, drugs, and supplies according to instructions to organize screening, isolation, admission, and treatment of diphtheria patients according to regulations, minimizing mortality rates; Ensure infection prevention in medical examination and treatment facilities.

When detecting clinical cases suspected of diphtheria, medical facilities need to prioritize antibiotic selection according to guidelines for diphtheria diagnosis and treatment; immediately take samples for early bacterial staining and testing to guide treatment.

The Ministry of Health requires medical facilities to strengthen monitoring, early detection of complications for timely treatment and referral when necessary; Professional consultation to seek opinions from higher levels for difficult and severe cases, consultation before referral; Deploying people in contact to take prophylactic antibiotics according to instructions.

Medical units need to increase communication in hospitals so that patients and their families know the signs of the disease so they can go for early examination and understand disease prevention measures.

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management also requires units to seriously implement reporting of cases according to regulations of the Minister of Health.

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