Student suspected of poisoning at National University dormitory is healthy, can be discharged from hospital

Ms. Bui Thi Hong Van - Head of International Cooperation and Communications Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, informed at the press conference - Photo: CHAU TUAN

On the afternoon of May 9, at a regular socio-economic press conference, Ms. Bui Thi Hong Van - Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Communications, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, informed about the suspected food poisoning incident that occurred at dormitory area A and dormitory area B of Ho Chi Minh City National University.

According to Ms. Van, currently the suspected food poisoning cases are stable and will likely be discharged on May 9.

Regarding the solution to inspect and handle the case, Ms. Van said that currently, Thu Duc City People's Committee has directed specialized agencies to investigate and find the cause.

This afternoon, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety also sent an urgent dispatch to the Thu Duc City People's Committee requesting that the locality direct authorities to quickly verify the cause of the incident, trace the origin of the food, and take samples for testing.

If necessary, Thu Duc City People's Committee is requested to coordinate with Food Safety Management Team No. 2 to handle the incident.

Providing more information about the causes of many food poisoning cases that have occurred recently, Ms. Van said that the weather in Ho Chi Minh City is causing bacteria to grow, making not only children but also adults susceptible to food poisoning.

For that reason, the Central Steering Committee on Food Safety and Hygiene has decided that the period from April 15 to May 15 is the month of action for food safety nationwide.

Why does food poisoning happen in schools? Ms. Van explains that students and even their parents often choose street vendors in front of the school gate to buy food.

These street vendors always pose many risks of food safety and hygiene. People should limit the use of street food, or choose reputable establishments with sellers who are aware of food hygiene.

In schools, the City Food Safety Department signs an annual joint agreement with the Department of Education and Training to organize food safety training for managers, kitchens, and food suppliers. At the same time, the Food Safety Department also regularly inspects kitchens at schools.

As Tuoi Tre Online reported earlier, on May 9, Thu Duc Regional General Hospital admitted 19 students from dormitory area A and dormitory area B of Ho Chi Minh City National University to the hospital with suspected food poisoning.

Around 10pm on May 8, a number of students began to be admitted to the hospital with symptoms of vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, and acute poisoning. Most of the common symptoms were stomachaches suspected to be caused by eating after dinner that same day.

Afterwards, Mr. Lai The Tuan - Head of the General Department, Dormitory Management Center of Ho Chi Minh City National University - said that from 9:30 p.m. on May 8 to 2:30 a.m. on May 9, the Dormitory Management Center's medical station received 20 cases of students with symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loose stools. The students reported eating at a canteen in area B of the dormitory.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sinh-vien-nghi-ngo-doc-tai-ky-tuc-xa-dai-hoc-quoc-gia-da-khoe-co-the-xuat-vien-20240509171808241.htm