Wednesday, 25/06/2025 21:56 (GMT+7)

HCM City doctors revive Cambodian infected with “flesh-eating” bacteria

After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, the patient's pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.
Ảnh đại diện tin bài

The 52-year-old Cambodian patient suffering from Whitmore’s disease has been cured in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

Doctors at City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City have successfully treated a 52-year-old Cambodian man suffering from Whitmore’s disease, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, often referred to as the “flesh-eating” bacteria.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory failure, high fever, blood clotting, liver and lung damage, and an abscess near the left groin. Diagnosed with severe septicemia, pneumonia, and multiple organ failure, he was in critical condition with a high risk of imminent death.

Upon admission, he was immediately placed in intensive care. Doctors identified the case as severe septicemia affecting multiple organs, with cellulitis and risk of deep muscle abscess in the perineal region, leading them to target treatment for Whitmore’s disease. Intensive care included continuous blood filtration, mechanical ventilation, strong antibiotics, and comprehensive support for electrolyte balance and blood circulation.

After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, his pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.

Whitmore’s disease is an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei that can adversely impact the health of humans and animals. First described by Alfred Whitmore in 1911, it is found worldwide but mainly in northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

In Vietnam, the disease is present across northern and southern provinces, is more common in men and adults, and occurs mostly during the rainy season. The fatality rate exceeds 40%, especially in cases with septic shock and severe pneumonia. In the southern region, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in HCM City treats 20–30 cases annually.

The bacterium thrives in moist soil, especially clay, at depths of 25-45cm. It enters the body through skin abrasions. People regularly exposed to contaminated soil or water without protective gear are at high risk. Infection can also occur by inhaling contaminated dust or consuming improperly treated water or food containing the bacterium./.

VNA
Vietnam won 4 Gold Medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad for the first time
Vietnam won 4 Gold Medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad for the first time

The 4 Gold Medals of the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad belong to the following students: Ngo Quang Minh (grade 12, Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, Bac Ninh province, ranked 7th); Nguyen Hoang Khoi (grade 12, High School for the Gifted, Hanoi National University of Education , ranked 10th); Giang Duc Dung (grade 12, High School for the Gifted in Natural Sciences, University of Natural Sciences - VNU, ranked 14th) and Nguyen Manh Tuan (grade 11, Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Hanoi, ranked 37th).

The healthcare system urges the public to participate in blood donation
The healthcare system urges the public to participate in blood donation

During the peak months of July and August 2025, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion needs at least 90,000 units of blood to supply 180 hospitals in the northern region. However, despite continuous efforts, the reserve blood is still short of 30,000 units. In particular, blood type O, the most commonly used blood type, is at an alarming level, requiring up to 15,000 units of blood.

From 2026 onward, everyone will have access to free regular health check-ups
From 2026 onward, everyone will have access to free regular health check-ups

At a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long on the afternoon of July 8, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said that the Politburo's draft Resolution on breakthroughs in public health care clearly states the policy of free periodic health check-ups or screening according to professional requirements for all people from next year.

Hanoi celebrates World Population Day
Hanoi celebrates World Population Day

The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.

Expanding telehealth is on Vietnam’s agenda to better serve communities in hard-to-reach areas
Expanding telehealth is on Vietnam’s agenda to better serve communities in hard-to-reach areas

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanoi Medical University Hospital launched its first trial telehealth sessions, connecting doctors in the capital with patients in Lao Cai, Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa provinces. Hanoi Medical University Hospital launched its first trial telehealth sessions, connecting doctors in the capital with patients in Lao Cai, Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa provinces.

Logo Báo điện tử Thừa Thiên Huế
© Copyright 2024 Children’s Health
Hotline: Hanoi - (024) 37 765 156 / HoChiMinh City - 0936813116
Logo Tạp chí Sức khỏe Trẻ em
Children's Health Magazine
Address: No. 42 Ngo Thi Nham, Ha Noi.
Phone: 0988158008; 0971251286.
Email: suckhoetreem2024@gmail.com.
Licence No. 526/GP-BVHTT dated December 12, 2002 by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
STK: 0021000568719, Ngân hàng Vietcombank
Please clearly cite the source as Children's Health Magazine when republishing information from this website.
Designed by TriNamGroup
Content Managers:
Editor-in-chief: Dr. Tran Doan Tien
Deputy Editor-in-chief:Dr. Nguyen Van Minh
Head of Southern Representative Office:Dr. Nguyen Chi Tan
Head of Editorial Secretariat: Pham Viet Hung
Director of the Communications Center: Ha Dieu Hien
Deputy Head of Management Board: Le Minh Nam
Please clearly cite the source as Children's Health Magazine when republishing information from this website.
Designed by TriNamGroup