On March 12, Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children provided an update on the health condition of patients from a family in Hamlet 8, Phuoc Nang commune, who were suspected of botulism poisoning after consuming fermented fish.

The three patients from the same family are H.N.T, 15, H.Q.B, 11, and H.Q.N, 7. They were admitted to hospital on March 9.

The 15-year-old patient is currently receiving treatment at the Northern Quang Nam Regional General Hospital, while the other two children were transferred to Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children in critical condition.

According to Dr. Vo Huu Hoi, Deputy Director of Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, both young patients were in very serious condition when admitted. One required mechanical ventilation, while the other showed signs of impaired consciousness and respiratory failure.

The hospital immediately implemented intensive resuscitation measures and prepared a treatment protocol.

However, the most critical factor in treatment was a specific antitoxin. After the hospital reported the case to the Da Nang Department of Health, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) provided urgent support with Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent.

At around 9pm on March 11, the antidote arrived in Da Nang and was administered to the two patients. The infusion process was completed at around 2am the following morning.

Doctors say the children’s overall condition has since improved, with better consciousness and muscle strength, though their respiratory function still requires close monitoring.

Dr. Tran Dinh Vinh, Director of Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, said that by the morning of March 12 both children had regained full consciousness.

“They are now alert, responsive when spoken to, and their arms and legs have begun moving again. They can squeeze hands and feet and respond during communication,” Dr. Vinh said.

He added that the hospital will continue efforts not only to save the children’s lives but also to preserve neurological and motor functions to ensure the best possible recovery.

Meanwhile, leaders at the Northern Quang Nam Regional General Hospital reported that the 15-year-old patient being treated there is also showing positive health progress.

Ho Giap - Ha Nam