As of April 10, a total of 148 suspected cases have been recorded at four medical facilities, including 102 outpatient cases and 46 inpatients, all in stable condition.

Cases were reported across four medical facilities, including Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital 2, Binh Thanh General Hospital and Binh Quoi Ward Health Station, with most patients in stable condition.

According to a rapid report from Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, seven out of 10 stool samples collected from suspected cases tested positive for Salmonella.

Following the incident, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health instructed hospitals to closely monitor patients, follow treatment protocols and collect samples for testing to identify the causative agent.

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control is coordinating with the Department of Food Safety and Binh Quoi Tay Primary School to continue epidemiological investigations and toxicology testing to clarify the cause.

Specialized units, including OUCRU (Oxford University Clinical Research Unit), are coordinating with hospitals to collect additional samples and conduct bacterial typing to determine the exact pathogen and transmission source.

Initial reports indicate that 116 students developed unusual symptoms on April 8. Screening at the school identified 41 students with gastrointestinal symptoms, including 38 with abdominal pain, 10 with vomiting and 30 with headaches.

Students had varied eating and drinking habits, including meals at home, food purchased near the school or at the school canteen, and did not share a common water source. Cases were reported sporadically, with no common source identified.

The school has tested food and water samples from April 7 and 8 and has temporarily suspended its boarding meal service.

On April 8-9, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety conducted inspections of food suppliers and meal providers for schools across the city to ensure food safety.

A representative of the Department of Food Safety said prevention is being prioritized to protect students’ health. Inspections focus on guiding and supporting businesses in reviewing processes and monitoring food sources rather than imposing penalties.

17 admitted to hospital after suspected food poisoning in Ho Chi Minh City

VOV.VN - Seventeen people have been hospitalized after reportedly eating banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) at a shop on Phan Van Tri Street in Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal Department of Health said, adding that the city’s health sector is monitoring and handling the case.