HANOI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Health has warned of a potential outbreak of meningococcal disease as the Southeast Asian country reported 24 cases, including four deaths, in the first 14 weeks of this year, local daily VnExpress reported Monday.
Children under 15 years old accounted for 46 percent of total cases during the period.
The number of infections has risen in recent weeks and is higher than the same period last year, said the report.
The ministry advised citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck or hemorrhagic rash.
Early detection and timely treatment play a crucial role in preventing severe complications and reducing mortality, the ministry said. ■
