The Lunar New Year is typically a time for rest and family reunions. However, statistics from major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City during the 2025 Lunar New Year reveal an alarming trend: thousands of people were hospitalized due to animal bites and other health issues.
Medical Treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Disease Hospital
According to Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Disease Hospital, within the 7-day Tet holiday (from January 25 to January 31, or the 26th day of the 12th lunar month to the 3rd day of the New Year), the hospital received over 2,800 cases requiring preventive vaccinations for various reasons. This notable figure highlights that health risks remain a concern even during important holidays.
Among these cases, more than 2,470 were related to rabies, 40 cases required hepatitis B vaccinations, and many others involved other infectious diseases. Notably, over 160 patients received wound infiltration treatment—a critical emergency procedure for severe injuries such as those on the head, face, extremities, or crushed wounds. Additionally, the hospital recorded one emergency transfer due to complications.
People lining up for vaccinations at Tropical Disease Hospital
Moreover, the hospital handled hundreds of other medical cases, including 96 hepatitis B cases and 14 exposure cases, indicating that healthcare needs do not decrease during long holidays.
Accidents and Emergencies at Children’s Hospital 2
Not only at Tropical Disease Hospital but also at Children’s Hospital 2, numerous emergency cases were reported during the 9-day Tet break. Statistics show 18 traffic accidents, 9 firecracker-related accidents, and 95 domestic accidents. These figures partly reflect the public’s carelessness in protecting themselves and children from potential risks.
Reduction in Alcohol-Related Traffic Accidents
A positive sign was noted at Cho Ray Hospital: the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents significantly decreased compared to the previous year. Specifically, out of over 400 traffic accident cases admitted during the 2025 Lunar New Year, only 51 were alcohol-related, considerably lower than the 84 cases during the 2024 Lunar New Year. This could reflect the effectiveness of recent campaigns promoting awareness and penalizing drunk driving.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Data from major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City indicate that despite the extended holiday period, residents still face significant health risks, especially from animal bites, traffic accidents, and domestic mishaps. To minimize unfortunate incidents, individuals should enhance their preventive awareness:
- Avoid close contact with unfamiliar or unknown animals.
- Follow traffic safety regulations and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Supervise children closely to prevent unintended accidents.
Proactively safeguard your health and that of your family because “prevention is better than cure.” If any health issues arise, promptly seek assistance at the nearest medical facility.
Source: Dân trí
