Vietnam kills 7 as adenovirus infection rises

Hanoi National Children’s Hospital announced on the 22nd that so far this year, 1,406 cases of adenovirus infection in children (including 7 deaths) have been recorded.

In particular, a total of 1316 infections were detected from August 1 to September 21 at this hospital.

According to figures released by the National Children’s Hospital on September 22, 1,406 children have been diagnosed with adenovirus since the beginning of this year, 811 are receiving treatment at the hospital, and 7 adenovirus-related deaths have been reported.

While the number of infected patients is increasing, the hospital is making every effort to detect suspected adenovirus symptoms and early detection in children who visit for health check-ups.

The hospital has set up 300 beds for the treatment of pediatric patients with mild disease, respiratory impairment-related disease, underlying disease, and severe comorbidities.

According to the association. Professor Reti Hong-han, head of the hospital’s respiratory center, said adenoviruses are divided into 7 groups from A to G. Among them, there are more than 50 types that cause diseases to attack other organs.

“The most common diseases caused by adenovirus infection are upper and lower respiratory tract infections, eye conjunctivitis or pinky eye, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cystitis, encephalitis, and gastrointestinal diseases such as meningitis,” he said.

Diseases caused by adenoviruses are especially prevalent when the seasons change, but appear year-round.

Adenovirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets from person to person. It is also possible to spread the disease through mucous membranes when swimming or drinking contaminated water used in daily life, or when a healthy person shares personal items with a sick person.

The incubation period is between 8 and 12 days.

Adenoviruses can cause illness at any age, and children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are most likely to get sick.

Professor Han said, “Adenovirus has the ability to spread rapidly in the community, and if not treated promptly, such as respiratory failure, sepsis, and multi-organ failure, it can cause many dangerous complications.”

“These diseases can also leave long-term complications, affecting children’s health, including post-infectious bronchitis obliterans syndrome, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis,” he said.

According to information provided by medical experts, there is currently no adenovirus vaccine available in hospitals in Vietnam, so the best way to control the spread of the disease is to catch it early.

In addition, parents should practice preventive measures, including maintaining good hygiene, ensuring a well-ventilated environment, and getting proper nutrition.

Q. What is ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’?

A. Adenovirus types 40 and 41 are common causes of gastroenteritis, and are one of the main causative agents of gastroenteritis, especially in children under 2 years of age.

Q. What are the symptoms of ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’?

A. Watery diarrhea lasts for 8 to 12 days and may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, and respiratory symptoms for 2-3 days.

Q. How is ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’ transmitted?

A. Intestinal adenovirus infection can be spread through direct or indirect contact with a patient’s feces, such as ingesting food or water contaminated with the virus or changing a patient’s diaper.

Q. Is there any treatment for ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’?

A. There is no specific treatment, and most people recover in 10 to 14 days. It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Q. How can I prevent ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’?

A. 1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds (especially following using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or cooking).

2. Cook enough food and drink water following boiling.

3. Wash vegetables and fruits in clean water and peel them before eating.

4. If you have diarrhea, do not cook.

5. Cook hygienically (disinfecting a knife and cutting board following cooking, using a separate cutting board for fish, meat, vegetables, etc.).

Q. Is ‘intestinal adenovirus infection’ a serious disease?

A. Most patients recover within 10 to 14 days of symptom onset, and death is rare. However, caution is required as children under 3 years of age or immunocompromised patients such as HIV-infected patients may progress to severe disease.

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