Food Poisoning Outbreak Spikes, Raises Concerns About Food Safety in Universities and Schools Across the Region
In recent weeks, food poisoning cases have been on the rise in various regions. A total of 19 students from Ho Chi Minh City National University’s dormitory were hospitalized consecutively with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are suspected to be caused by food poisoning. Dr. Ho Thanh Phong, the Head of the General Planning Department at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, stated that the students had visited the emergency room from 10:00 p.m. on May 8 until the early hours of the next morning. Most of them complained of stomach pain, while some exhibited vomiting and diarrhea after their dinner.
Fortunately, none of the students displayed severe symptoms such as dehydration or low blood pressure, and their conditions are currently stable. The hospital suspected that the cases were due to food poisoning and notified the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. The city’s Center for Disease Control is now working on contacting the patients and investigating the epidemiology of the situation. The cause of the poisoning is still unknown, as it is unclear what the students consumed.
According to Mr. Lai The Tuan, head of Dormitory General Department at Ho Chi Minh City National University, affected students had eaten at a canteen in dormitory B before experiencing unusual symptoms. The dormitory management center has instructed the canteen to cease its operations and preserve its status quo for investigative purposes. Samples from the canteen have been taken for testing to determine its root cause. It was revealed that last week 16 students from four elementary schools in Thu Duc City were treated at Le Van Thinh Hospital for suspected food poisoning, with most having consumed sushi sold by street vendors near school gates.
Experts have highlighted that current hot and humid weather conditions facilitate bacteria growth and speed up spoilage rates of food items leading to an increased risk of foodborne illnesses.
To prevent such incidents in future it is crucial to maintain proper food preparation practices including ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly cooked before consumption; avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods; drinking boiled water; discarding any suspected spoiled or contaminated foods; maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands diligently before and after handling food.
In conclusion, people need to take necessary precautions while consuming street foods or any other prepared meals outside their homes as they may contain harmful bacteria that could lead to serious health issues like this recent incident involving sushi sold by street vendors near school gates resulting in 16 students being treated for suspected food poisoning
