A three-day-old baby boy is receiving intensive medical treatment after being rushed to hospital with a high fever, convulsions, severe jaundice and multiple wounds across his tiny body.

Little Lukas Novak, from a rural community in eastern Slovakia, was born prematurely during an emergency roadside delivery after his mother went into labor before reaching medical care.

According to relatives, the newborn arrived before the family could reach a hospital, forcing the delivery to take place without professional medical assistance.

In the hours that followed, family members attempted to care for the infant themselves. The umbilical cord was reportedly cut using household scissors and tied off with thread available at home.

As Lukas began showing signs of illness, including poor feeding, increasing jaundice and unusual irritability, relatives turned to traditional remedies in an effort to help him.

However, his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Doctors say the infant was eventually brought to hospital suffering from a temperature of 38.8°C, breathing difficulties, widespread skin injuries, severe jaundice and signs of a potentially life-threatening infection.

Medical staff immediately transferred him to intensive care, where he remains under close observation while receiving antibiotics, respiratory support and specialist neonatal treatment.

“This is a deeply concerning case,” one senior pediatric specialist involved in his care explained. “Newborn babies are extremely vulnerable during their first days of life. Any delay in receiving appropriate medical attention can significantly increase the risk of serious complications.”

Doctors suspect the infant may be suffering from severe infection related to non-sterile conditions during and after birth, while additional investigations continue.

The case has sparked concern among healthcare professionals, who warn that well-intentioned traditional practices can sometimes place newborns at significant risk.

Experts stress that babies should be delivered in medical facilities whenever possible and that any warning signs—including fever, jaundice, feeding difficulties or unusual behavior—should be assessed immediately by qualified healthcare providers.

Meanwhile, Lukas continues his fight surrounded by doctors, nurses and worried family members hoping he can overcome the difficult start to life.

“He’s only been in this world for a few days,” a relative said. “We just want him to have the chance to grow up healthy and strong.”

For now, the tiny newborn remains under intensive care, with medical teams working around the clock to give him that chance.