A representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department stated that 29 children are currently hospitalized, while 17 have been discharged for home monitoring. Since 25/4, patients have sought medical attention at Nguyen Thi Thap Hospital, Nhi Dong 2 Hospital, Khanh Hoi Hospital, and Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting; some also experienced fever. All patients are currently in stable condition.

The most severe case involved a child at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital, who developed a high fever, severe dehydration leading to shock, seizures, and metabolic acidosis, requiring high-dose vasopressors and mechanical ventilation. However, after one day of intensive treatment, the child's condition improved significantly, allowing for the discontinuation of vasopressors and weaning from the ventilator.

Among the patient samples at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital, one case tested positive for Salmonella bacteria in a stool culture. This pathogen has been identified in most recent food poisoning incidents.

According to the weekly menu publicly posted on Dang Thuy Tram Primary School's website, the school's semi-boarding meal on 24/4 included steamed duck egg with pork, fried basa fish fillet with fish sauce, stir-fried gourd with garlic, seaweed and tofu soup with meat, a yogurt snack, and rice cakes for dessert.

Patients receiving treatment at the hospital. *Photo: Hospital provided*

The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department has established an investigation team, collaborating with relevant agencies to review suspected cases, conduct epidemiological investigations, inspect meals, trace food origins, and collect food and water samples to determine the cause.

Health authorities advise people with suspected food poisoning symptoms not to self-medicate, especially avoiding anti-diarrhea drugs or antibiotics without a prescription. Prompt medical attention is necessary if persistent vomiting or diarrhea occurs. Proper rehydration and electrolyte replacement can improve the condition and shorten recovery time.

Earlier this month, 266 students at Binh Quoi Tay Primary School suffered food poisoning, with 190 requiring hospitalization. The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department concluded that flan and cabbage soup were the two dishes in the school's semi-boarding meal likely contaminated with bacteria, with Salmonella identified as the primary culprit. Additionally, food samples also contained E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Le Phuong