Infant boy in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province found with needle marks on his body after mother allegedly applied folk “needle therapy” Photo: Sina Weibo

Authorities in Mojiang county, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, issued a statement on Wednesday regarding a baby boy with multiple needle marks, saying the infant boy was treated by his mother using a traditional folk “needle therapy” method, clarifying recent online reports, Jiemian News reported on Wednesday.Authorities in Mojiang county, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, issued a statement on Wednesday regarding a baby boy with multiple needle marks, saying the infant boy was treated by his mother using a traditional folk “needle therapy” method, clarifying recent online reports, Jiemian News reported on Wednesday.

According to the statement released by the joint working group in Mojiang county, in response to recent online reports that “a baby in Mojiang was sent to hospital with multiple needle marks on his body,” authorities in Mojiang promptly formed a joint task force of public security, health, civil affairs and women’s federation department to investigate into the incident. 

On December 16, 2025, the pediatrics department of Mojiang Hani Autonomous County People’s Hospital admitted a 10-month-old infant boy brought in by his parents, presenting with fever and convulsions. 

Medical examinations revealed multiple needle marks on the infant’s body, with one metal needle suspected to still be inside. Emergency treatment was administered.

To ensure the baby would receive better care, he was transferred to Kunming Children’s Hospital for surgery and infection treatment on December 22, 2025, and was discharged on January 9, 2026, in good health. 

At present, the baby is receiving rehabilitation care at a local medical facility under his father’s supervision. Mojiang county authorities have assigned staff and medical personnel to provide rehabilitation, nutrition, and ongoing monitoring for his recovery. 

Investigators by the working group found that the baby’s needle marks were caused by his mother surnamed Dao, who attempted to exert self-treatment on the baby using a traditional folk “needle therapy” method. Authorities said Dao has limited health knowledge and anxiety tendencies but showed no psychotic symptoms. She is now under investigation by the police.

Global Times