All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
An outbreak of an unknown infection in Vietnam is still affecting people
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
An outbreak of an unknown infection that typically affects children and young people has been reported in Vietnam.
As reported by foreign media, in this regard, the Ministry of Health of the Republic asked the WHO and American specialists from the CDC to help identify the cause of the disease.
It became known that 100 people with symptoms of an unknown disease were taken to the hospital, 10 of whom are in critical condition. Patients with a moderate course of the disease are treated on an outpatient basis. Despite the fact that the disease is treatable, 29 people were infected with it again. A total of 19 people died from the infection. How Vietnamese doctors treat this disease is not reported.
Risk groups that are susceptible to infection with an unknown infection are children and adolescents. Its characteristic symptoms are considered to be elevated temperature, loss of appetite and skin rash on the extremities. With early diagnosis, the disease responds well to treatment. If therapeutic measures are not started in the early phase, the patient may develop liver and multiple organ failure.
The outbreak was first detected in early April 2011 in Ba Tho Region, considered the poorest district in Quang Ngai Province. By October, the number of fatalities had decreased. The number of cases increased again in early March 2012: 68 cases were registered between March 27 and April 5, 8 of which were fatal. A total of 171 people have been affected by the unknown infectious disease.
Representatives of the republic's Ministry of Health visited Bato in October last year and early April this year. Experts took water and soil samples, as well as blood and hair samples from those infected, although they were unable to identify the cause of the disease.