Food Poisoning Outbreak at Ho Chi Minh City National University: What You Need to Know

A string of students living in Ho Chi Minh City National University’s dormitory were admitted to the hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to Dr. Ho Thanh Phong, Head of General Planning Department at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, the students were rushed to the emergency room from 10:00 p.m. on May 8 to the early hours of May 9. Most of them experienced stomach pain while some also suffered from vomiting and diarrhea after consuming dinner at a canteen in dormitory B.

The hospital immediately suspected food poisoning as the cause and notified the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health authorities. The city’s Center for Disease Control is currently investigating the outbreak, although no specific food has yet been identified as the culprit. Mr. Lai The Tuan, Head of Dormitory General Department at Ho Chi Minh City National University, revealed that all affected students had eaten at the canteen before becoming ill. In response to this incident, dormitory management suspended operations at the canteen and is cooperating with authorities by providing samples for testing purposes.

Recent incidents involving food poisoning have raised concerns about catering services that distribute food but do not handle cooking directly on-site, such as street vendors selling sushi in Thu Duc City and other areas that have seen similar cases. Experts attribute this rise in illnesses to the current hot and humid weather conditions that facilitate bacterial growth and spoilage of food products. To prevent these incidents from happening again, experts advise avoiding leaving food out for extended periods, maintaining proper storage practices for perishable items like meat and dairy products, washing hands before handling food or eating it if necessary, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and discarding any suspicious or contaminated foods immediately.

In conclusion, food safety practices are crucial to minimize collective incidents of food poisoning caused by improper handling or storage techniques during hot weather conditions. It is essential for individuals to be aware of potential risks associated with consuming unprocessed or uncooked foods to protect themselves from illnesses caused by bacteria or other harmful agents present in contaminated products.

Thu Duc Regional General Hospital has confirmed that none of the affected students exhibited severe symptoms like dehydration or low blood pressure but their conditions remain stable due to prompt medical attention provided by authorities.

The university has been advised by health officials not to allow any more events related to dining until a thorough investigation has been conducted into what caused this outbreak.

It is important for people who are experiencing similar symptoms after eating out or consuming street food should immediately seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Food safety is an essential aspect that needs constant attention and awareness among individuals who consume processed or uncooked meals regularly.

While there is still no clear indication on what caused this outbreak among students living in dormitories B at Ho Chi Minh City National University, health officials will continue their investigation until they find a solution that will prevent future incidents from happening again.