Doctors in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital have successfully saved the life of 10-year-old Le Anh Quoc from Quang Nam Province’s Thang Binh District.  He was diagnosed with encephalitis caused by the dengue fever virus which can be fatal if not promptly treated.

Earlier, on 10 May, the patient had been rushed to the hospital with symptoms including a high fever, drowsiness, myotonic muscular dystrophy, and perceptual abnormalities.

A doctor (left) from the hospital examining Quoc (centre)

The results of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed that the boy tested positive for the dengue virus and had the added complication of encephalitis.  In attempting to save his life, the doctor promptly provided the patient with antipyretic therapy, cerebral edema treatment and body habitus improvement measures.

After receiving treatment and intensive care for 2 weeks, the patient’s perceptual functions have improved considerably, and he is now able to talk normally and has resumed physical movement.

Three years ago, 3 patients infected with the dengue fever virus were admitted to the hospital.  Unfortunately, 2 of them died of this life-threatened disease due to late diagnosis.  The potentially fatal virus simultaneously attacked their brains and blood cells.