Mixed rice paper, a popular Vietnamese snack, poses health risks if hygiene standards are not met. This street food typically combines various ingredients such as quail eggs, mango, dried beef, Vietnamese coriander, and a special sauce. However, when ingredients are not thoroughly washed or prepared in unhygienic conditions, they can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and parasites. Often hand-mixed and sold by roadsides, mixed rice paper is susceptible to contamination from dust and insects.

Consuming unsanitary mixed rice paper can lead to immediate health issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. More severe consequences include food poisoning, parasitic infections, and intestinal worms. Furthermore, low-quality spices, cooking oils, or artificial food colorings used in preparation can cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.

Several types of bacteria and viruses found in contaminated food can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses. These include cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, E.coli, and shigella. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, attacks the intestines, leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration. Without prompt treatment, patients can experience shock, dangerously low blood pressure, and even death.

The hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food. Symptoms often include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, mild fever, and jaundice. In severe cases, the virus can damage liver cells, impair liver function, and lead to liver failure if not managed medically.

Typhoid infection typically presents with prolonged high fever, abdominal pain, and either diarrhea or constipation, often accompanied by a red rash. This disease can result in dangerous complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal perforation.

Mixed rice paper is a popular street snack, but caution is needed to avoid infection. *Illustration: Moc Anh*

To mitigate these health risks, consumers should choose street food vendors known for their hygiene practices. It is crucial to ensure that ingredients have clear labels and are fresh. Parents can also opt to prepare mixed rice paper at home, sourcing fresh ingredients themselves, to guarantee cleanliness. Always wash hands thoroughly before and after eating.

Vaccination offers another layer of protection against common foodborne and waterborne diseases. Vaccines for hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid are available in Vietnam. The hepatitis A vaccine is available as a single dose or a combined vaccine with hepatitis B. The single dose is recommended for individuals aged 12 months to under 16 years or 24 months to under 18 years, depending on the specific vaccine type, administered in two doses six months apart. The combined vaccine is suitable for children from 12 months old and adults.

The oral cholera vaccine is for individuals aged 2 years and older. It involves two doses given at least two weeks apart, with a booster recommended every two years. The typhoid vaccine is administered as one injection for individuals aged 2 years and older, with a booster recommended every three years.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Dao

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

Readers can submit vaccine-related questions for doctor consultation here.