In July 2024 alone, there were 60 cases of children in Phu Yen being attacked by dogs, many of whom required emergency care and long-term hospitalization.

The above data was presented by a representative of Phu Yen Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital to warn parents, communities, and localities in this province to proactively take measures to prevent and protect children and strictly implement regulations on raising and keeping dogs.

At Phu Yen Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, Ms. D.Th.D.Tr. (in Hoa Hiep Trung ward, Dong Hoa town, Phu Yen) has a 7-year-old son who has been hospitalized and treated for the past 7 days due to a dog bite.

Ms. Tr. said the incident happened on August 4. While her child had just finished eating and was hugging the cat, he was suddenly attacked by the dog in the house because he was afraid of taking his food.

When admitted to the hospital, the child had many bites, including a very serious wound on the forehead and skull measuring 15cm long and 10cm wide. At the time of admission, the child was panicked and in pain.

The person who directly treated and handled the wound for Ms. Tr.'s child was Dr. Le Quoc Huy, Department of Surgery (Phu Yen Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital). "The child was admitted to the hospital with a fairly large wound, exposing the skull. The doctor cleaned the wound and injected anti-rabies serum. After that, the patient was admitted to the hospital for antibiotic treatment and vaccination. After 7 days of active treatment, the wounds dried up and the child's health gradually stabilized," Dr. Huy informed.

According to Dr. Huy, in July 2024, Phu Yen Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital recorded up to 60 children coming for examination and treatment due to being bitten by rabid dogs, many of whom were seriously injured.

Worryingly, children bitten by dogs often have wounds in sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and head, so complications can easily lead to dangerous conditions.

Through this, Dr. Huy recommends that people and localities need to strengthen control and management of dog breeding in the house. Dogs need to be muzzled when taken outside and must be carefully leashed and chained, and children should not be allowed to come into frequent contact with dogs.

LAM HA