Current Health Status of the Affected Children
On January 26, after re-evaluation, 23 children were discharged due to stable health conditions. However, 11 children still require ongoing treatment due to abnormalities in their EEG or brain injuries. The doctors at Bach Mai Hospital stated that the children will undergo thorough EEG examinations to assess the risk of seizures. Some cases may need MRI scans to evaluate brain damage before being transferred to other hospitals or discharged with prescriptions and follow-up appointments. The primary goal is to ensure all children receive the best care possible so they can reunite with their families for Tet.
Mass poisoning of children from rat poison: 11 children still under treatment – 1
Children receiving careful instructions from doctors before discharge (Photo: Nguyen Ha).
Initial Developments of the Incident
On the evening of January 22, the Pediatric Center and the Toxicology Center at Bach Mai Hospital received 32 children, mostly first to fifth-grade students from Phu Binh Elementary School in Tuyen Quang City. They were admitted to the hospital in critical condition after ingesting a red-colored rodenticide liquid, known as “red syrup.” The next day, two more children were brought in, bringing the total number of affected children to 34. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Toxicology Center, confirmed that this was a case of fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide poisoning based on the characteristics of the red liquid and toxicological test results.
Additionally, doctors are carefully monitoring for the presence of other harmful substances in the samples, as the container also contained green-colored tubes.
Risks and Consequences of Fluoroacetate Rodenticide
Fluoroacetate/fluoroacetamide is a highly toxic rodenticide originating from China. Ingestion can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, coma, severe brain damage, acute myocarditis, heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and hypocalcemia. In severe cases, multiple organ damage can occur, leading to a high risk of death if not treated promptly.
Treatment Solutions and Prevention Measures
The medical team at Bach Mai Hospital is working diligently to treat and closely monitor the health status of the affected children. Treatment focuses on minimizing the impact of toxins on the nervous system and cardiovascular functions while supporting recovery for affected organs.
For the community, this incident serves as a serious warning about the importance of keeping hazardous chemicals out of reach of children. Parents and teachers should enhance supervision and educate children on recognizing and avoiding dangerous substances.
Conclusion
The mass poisoning incident at Phu Binh Elementary School is a painful lesson but also highlights the importance of safety in children’s living and learning environments. With the dedication of the medical staff, we hope all affected children will fully recover and return home for Tet.
Always prioritize safety and implement necessary preventive measures to protect the health of future generations.
Source: dantri.com.vn
