Dengue surge hits children in Ho Chi Minh City, hospitals warn of severe complications

Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City report a sharp rise in dengue fever among children. At the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department of Hospital for Children 1, 40 children are currently hospitalized, with about 10% showing warning signs or severe disease.

Cases often progress rapidly in overweight or obese children with liver involvement. Neurological symptoms such as agitation, screaming, or seizures have been observed even without shock. Dengue virus type 2 remains the dominant strain and is associated with more severe outcomes. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tuấn said, “Neurological symptoms may relate to high fever, liver injury, electrolyte imbalance, or immune response.”

Doctors stress that fever reduction should not lead to complacency, as children can deteriorate into hemorrhagic shock or plasma leakage. Delayed care, often due to parents treating fever as a common flu, has contributed to the increase. Dr. Nguyễn Đình Qui added, “The prevailing Dengue‑2 strain makes disease more severe.” The city expects continued high transmission through the rainy season.