On September 13, the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that from the beginning of 2025 to now, the locality has recorded 3 cases of Whitmore disease.
According to CDC Dak Lak, the case of patient S.S.P. (residing in Ea Sup commune) died of Whitmore disease, which is a special case. This is a serious case, with cerebral abscess complications, complicated treatment, rapid progression and a very poor prognosis.
The patient does not have obvious epidemiological factors, showing that the risk of Whitmore disease can occur in many areas in the province. Especially during the rainy season, the soil and water environment is favorable for the existence and development of Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria.
Mr. Hoang Hai Phuc - Director of CDC Dak Lak - said: "Given the complicated developments of Whitmore disease, the unit has requested the Central Highlands Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to support the identification and testing of suspected drug samples in the area. At the same time, strengthen training and coaching for health workers in the province on disease monitoring and prevention and control".
According to Mr. Phuc, medical examination and treatment facilities across the province need to strengthen supervision, early detection and timely reporting of Whitmore cases.
The Department of Health needs to consider allocating resources, equipment and necessary testing so that provincial hospitals and medical centers are able to transplant blood and pus, thereby detecting cases early.
