A second-grade student in the mountainous district of Nam Tra My, Quang Nam, has died after experiencing a high fever for several days.

Despite the efforts of healthcare workers and teachers to persuade the family to seek medical treatment, the child was not taken to a hospital and passed away at home.

On March 9, Mai Van Muoi, Director of the Quang Nam Department of Health, confirmed that Nam Tra My District’s Health Center had reported the death of a child in Thon 3, Tra Don Commune, due to fever-related complications.

The deceased student, identified as H.T.K.N, was enrolled at the Ong Binh campus of Tra Don Primary and Secondary Boarding School.

The child suffered from high fever and rashes but was treated at home for about a week before passing away on the night of March 5.

According to Nam Tra My Health Center, the child’s family faced economic difficulties and had limited awareness of healthcare. Traditional healing practices, including rituals instead of medical intervention, contributed to the delayed treatment.

Currently, several other students at the Ong Binh campus are also experiencing high fever. However, most families have not taken their children to hospitals, opting instead for home remedies.

On the morning of March 7, Le Huy Phuong, Principal of Tra Don Primary and Secondary Boarding School, personally transported four critically ill students to Quang Nam Maternity and Pediatric Hospital for emergency treatment using his own vehicle.

Nam Tra My District has recently recorded a surge in fever cases among children, many of whom exhibit symptoms of rash. Between the Lunar New Year and February 4, 43 children aged 1 to 13 were reported ill. Health authorities noted that some affected children had received measles vaccinations, while others were either unvaccinated or too young for immunization.

To address the crisis, the district’s People’s Committee has directed local agencies and the health sector to ensure proper nutrition for sick children and their caregivers. Officials are also working closely with schools and communities to detect and transport affected children to medical facilities.

In response to the outbreak, Quang Nam authorities have launched a free vaccination campaign for children under 10.

The provincial health sector aims to immunize over 95% of eligible children in highland districts with the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine to prevent further cases.

Ha Nam