At Benh vien Phu san - Nhi Da Nang, Doctor Vo Huu Hoi, deputy director, reported significant progress in the awareness and movement of the two children, aged 7 and 11. Unlike their critical condition yesterday, they are now alert, recognize people around them, and can squeeze hands as requested by medical staff. Concurrently, Benh vien Da khoa khu vuc mien nui phia Bac Quang Nam reported "very good" neurological improvement in the eldest brother, aged 15.

The patient's indicators have improved. Photo: Nguyen Dong

This positive outcome is attributed to the World Health Organization's (WHO) efforts in coordinating the Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (BAT) drug. On the evening of 11/3, immediately after the flight carrying the medication landed at Da Nang International Airport, medical teams swiftly distributed the vials to the two hospitals. Doctors began intravenous infusions at 8:45 PM, using half a vial for the 11-year-old and one-third of a vial for the 7-year-old, completing the safe procedure by 2 AM on 12/3. Another batch of the antitoxin was transported to Benh vien Da khoa khu vuc mien nui phia Bac Quang Nam, where the 15-year-old was receiving treatment, for immediate injection.

Doctor Tran Long Quan, head of the Pediatric Emergency, Intensive Care, and Anti-poisoning Department, explained that BAT works by preventing the botulinum toxin from further attacking the nervous system. However, doctors anticipate that the weaning process from ventilators will still take several weeks to months as the body re-establishes new neural pathways. During this period, the hospital is incorporating early rehabilitation exercises to help the children regain motor skills quickly and minimize long-term complications.

The three patients are siblings from a family in Phuoc Nang commune. They suffered botulinum poisoning after consuming fermented fish on 8/3. Before the antitoxin arrived, all three exhibited typical symptoms of botulinum intoxication: drooping eyelids, limb muscle weakness, and rapidly progressing respiratory failure. Da Nang's health sector worked diligently to contact WHO to secure the antitoxin to save the children.

Doctor Tran Long Quan examines two child patients, morning 12/3. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Botulinum is a potent neurotoxin that can cause muscle paralysis, leading to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. Doctors noted that early administration of the antitoxin helps prevent the toxin from further damaging the nerves, offering patients a chance at recovery. This type of medication is very rare, costing approximately 8,000 USD per vial.

Fermented sour fish, a traditional dish of the Gie Trieng people, is prepared by fermenting fish in an airtight, anaerobic environment. If the process does not ensure safety, Clostridium botulinum bacteria can grow and produce dangerous toxins. The health sector advises residents to be cautious when consuming traditionally fermented and sealed foods if hygiene standards are not guaranteed.

Nguyen Dong