On 9/3, Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, stated that this is an important basis for medical facilities to guide treatment protocols, focusing on rehydration, electrolyte balance, and close monitoring of patients' health.

Previously, hospitals had admitted 108 people with typical digestive disorder symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever, after eating bread on Do Chieu street. Vung Tau General Hospital treated the most cases with 104 patients. The remaining cases were scattered at Ba Ria General Hospital (two cases), Nhan Dan 115 Hospital, and Khanh Hoi General Hospital, with one case each.

The health sector collected patient samples early on, recording 28 out of 51 stool samples positive for Salmonella – a common foodborne pathogen causing gastrointestinal infections. By identifying the bacteria early, hospitals agreed on an effective treatment plan. To date, all patients have passed the critical stage, their health is stable, and 45 people have been discharged. Authorities continue to investigate the food source to prevent similar incidents.

A doctor examines a patient suspected of poisoning after eating bread from a shop on Do Chieu street. *Photo: Minh Bang*

Recently, multiple mass poisoning incidents after eating bread have occurred consecutively in Southern provinces. On 1-2/3, 22 people in Ho Chi Minh City were suspected of poisoning after eating roasted pork bread. The previous week, over 70 people in Dong Thap were also hospitalized with similar symptoms after eating bread from Hong Ngoc 12 establishment.

Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department, noted that bread inherently poses more risks than vermicelli or pho because vendors do not use boiling water to blanch or scald ingredients. The specific nature of incorporating many fresh fillings combined with hot weather is the main reason this dish is prone to bacterial cross-contamination, leading to poisoning incidents.

Salmonella is a leading global cause of diarrhea and the source of many large-scale food poisoning outbreaks. When it enters the body through food and drink, the bacteria produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining. Without timely rehydration, patients can suffer severe dehydration, hypotension, multi-organ failure, and death. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause life-threatening sepsis.

Late last year, over 300 people in Ho Chi Minh City suffered poisoning after eating bread purchased from Co Bich shops, with the cause identified as Salmonella infection. Mid-December, over 200 people in Quang Ngai also experienced poisoning after eating bread, due to 'cha' (Vietnamese sausage) and vegetables contaminated with the same agent.

Poisoning symptoms usually begin about one day after consumption, but can be delayed up to 4-5 days. Doctors advise that upon experiencing suspicious signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever, people should immediately rehydrate with Oresol solution or cooled boiled water. It is crucial not to self-medicate with anti-diarrhea drugs or antibiotics, as this can worsen the condition. If patients experience severe vomiting, continuous diarrhea, or signs of dehydration (dry lips, reduced urination, extreme fatigue), they should be taken to the nearest medical facility.

Le Phuong