HCMC – Concerned about the rising spread of diphtheria, the Ministry of Health has told medical facilities to intensify control on the disease, including diagnosis and treatment.
Medical centers are requested to conduct training and review diagnostic and treatment guidelines for all healthcare workers involved in medical examination and treatment.
The ministry said that when receiving suspected cases, medical facilities should consult with higher-level units to apply appropriate treatment methods based on diagnostic guidelines. Healthcare workers must collect samples for bacterial testing.
Local health departments need to prepare isolation areas, isolation rooms, medicine and medical equipment supplies, personal protective equipment, and disinfectants for emergency care and treatment of the disease.
Since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded six cases of diphtheria, including one fatality. Specifically, Ha Giang Province reported three cases, Nghe An Province had one case that resulted in death, and Bac Giang Province found two cases with close contact to the fatal case in Nghe An.