On May 2, fifteen students from four elementary schools in Thu Duc City were rushed to Le Van Thinh Hospital for emergency treatment after suspected food poisoning. Most of the students had eaten sushi from street vendors located near the school gates. Upon arrival at the hospital, they displayed symptoms of vomiting and dizziness. The hospital reported the cases to the Department of Health, Department of Food Safety, and other relevant authorities. Doctors diagnosed the students with gastrointestinal infections and suspected food poisoning. They were treated with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, resulting in a stabilization of their condition and a decrease in vomiting.
Out of the total number of cases, eight students came from Thanh My Loi primary school, three from Binh Trung Dong primary school, one each from Nguyen Van Troi and Nguyen The Vinh primary schools, and two cases remained unknown. Ten patients had consumed sushi while one had eaten bread from street vendors near the schools. Authorities conducted investigations at the affected schools to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Recent incidents involving collective food poisoning among students have prompted Ho Chi Minh City Director Pham Khanh Phong Lan to warn about the dangers associated with street food vendors, collective kitchens, and school food providers. The prolonged hot weather creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth and food spoilage, increasing the risk of such incidents occurring again. In response to these concerns, Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying its inspections and surprise checks on food businesses and restaurants to ensure public safety and prevent future incidents like this one.
