In a concerning incident in Ho Chi Minh City, three siblings were hospitalized after eating field rats for an entire week, leading to severe poisoning from rodenticide. The children, aged 10, 9, and 7, began showing alarming symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and widespread bruising.

On August 10, the Children's Hospital reported that the three siblings were transferred from a local hospital with critical food poisoning symptoms. After consuming field rats prepared by their family, they fell ill on the seventh day, with the youngest sibling even vomiting black blood and exhibiting signs of a distended abdomen and red urine.

Initially diagnosed with food poisoning and coagulation disorders, the children received treatment including intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Subsequent tests revealed they were suffering from a severe form of poisoning due to a type of rodenticide known as super warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist that can remain in the body for weeks or even months.

The children underwent gastric lavage and were administered activated charcoal, with daily blood coagulation function tests indicating worsening conditions. The youngest boy was the most severely affected, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation due to respiratory distress and significant bleeding.

After nearly three weeks of treatment, the siblings' conditions improved, with no further bleeding and coagulation tests returning to near-normal levels. The most critical patient was successfully weaned off the ventilator. They continue to receive vitamin K1 and are under close observation to prevent complications from the lingering effects of the super warfarin.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the Children's Hospital, emphasized the dangers of vitamin K antagonists, which can cause prolonged coagulation disorders. He warned that acute poisoning from these substances, whether accidental or intentional, can lead to severe complications, including death if not treated promptly.

Additionally, he noted that there are various other rodenticides on the market, such as zinc phosphide and fluoroacetate, which can cause multi-organ damage and severe health issues without affecting blood coagulation results. Parents are urged to select safe food sources for their children, ensuring they are from reputable producers and approved by health authorities to avoid health risks.