Recorded case of flesh-eating bacteria after floods in Lao Cai

On the afternoon of September 27th, the Lao Cai Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the locality had just recorded one case of Whitmore's disease: Mr. NVN (born in 1972) from Cam Con commune, Bao Yen district.

The male patient was examined at Lao Cai Provincial General Hospital.

Accordingly, in early September, after the floods, Mr. N proceeded to clear the mud and debris but did not use protective gear, resulting in injuries and abrasions to his skin.

After one day, Mr. N developed mild fever and a slight cough, which then worsened, along with increased fever and cough, headache, general muscle and joint pain, and scattered pustules on both legs and back.

On September 23rd, Mr. NVN went to the Lao Cai Provincial General Hospital for a medical examination and was subsequently transferred to the Infectious Diseases Department for treatment.

The patient then underwent blood tests, clinical examinations, and bacterial samples were collected for culture and identification using an automated system.

The test results from September 26th showed scattered lesions in both lungs, right pleural effusion, and the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria (flesh-eating bacteria that cause Whitmore's disease).

In addition, patient N has a history of asthma, but no one in their family or neighborhood suffers from the disease.

The patient has now been transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases for treatment.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/ghi-nhan-ca-vi-khuan-an-thit-nguoi-sau-mua-lu-o-lao-cai-19224092717140569.htm