A fourth meningococcal infection was confirmed at Hai Ba Trung Middle School in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting how quickly serious illnesses can spread in a school environment. The story shows the steps health officials take to protect students and families.

The latest patient, a 12‑year‑old boy, developed symptoms on Thursday, including a high fever of 40 °C, headache, sore throat, muscle pain and scattered skin hemorrhages. He was admitted to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases the same evening, tested positive for meningococcus group B and influenza B, and his condition is stable under antibiotic treatment.

Earlier, three other students from the school were confirmed with meningococcal infections between Wednesday and Friday, and one of them died from septic shock and multi‑organ failure. In response, the city’s health department gave prophylactic antibiotics to close contacts and disinfected the school.

The Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that 23 students from the school were hospitalized with respiratory symptoms. Tests showed four cases of influenza A/H1, four of influenza B, one dual A + B infection, and 12 samples positive for rhinovirus or seasonal flu, and all patients are currently stable.

Officials said vaccination and basic hygiene can prevent both meningococcal disease and influenza. Parents should seek medical care right away if a child has high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, unusual fatigue or skin rash.