On 25/5, a representative from Gia Lai Central General Hospital reported that 39 patients are undergoing treatment across the Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and General Internal Medicine departments. Among them, 12 individuals are under 16 years old. All patients reported experiencing unusual symptoms after eating banh mi bought from an establishment on Hung Vuong street, near the Ong Tho T-junction.

Initial diagnoses confirm food poisoning. Authorities have collected samples for testing to determine the precise cause.

Patients suffering food poisoning after eating banh mi are receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Department, Gia Lai Central General Hospital. *Photo: Tran Hoa*

Tran Hung Dao, 34, a patient, recounted that on the morning of 23/5, he bought two meat banh mi from the aforementioned shop for 30,000 dong. By noon, he began to feel nauseous, dizzy, and experienced severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, prompting him to rest at home. His condition worsened the following afternoon, with a high fever of 39 degrees, leading him to seek emergency medical care at the hospital.

"My health is currently stable, but I still have a fever," Dao stated.

This incident follows a trend of mass food poisoning cases in several provinces and cities after banh mi consumption. Investigations frequently pinpoint the contamination of banh mi accompaniments, such as pate, meat, and herbs, with bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli. These are common intestinal bacteria that cause food poisoning, leading to digestive symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Tran Hoa