Hot Weather Brings Food Safety Concerns: Ho Chi Minh City National University Students Sick with Symptoms of Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea

Recently, 19 students living in the dormitory of Ho Chi Minh City National University were hospitalized with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. This has raised concerns about food poisoning as the cause. According to BS.CK2 Ho Thanh Phong, Head of General Planning Department at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, all the students were admitted to the emergency room between 10:00 p.m. on May 8 and early hours of May 9. Most of them experienced stomach pain while some also had vomiting and diarrhea after consuming dinner. Fortunately, none of the cases exhibited severe symptoms such as dehydration or low blood pressure, and their conditions were reported as stable.

The hospital suspected food poisoning as the cause and notified the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health immediately. Authorities from the city’s Center for Disease Control are currently investigating the outbreak, although the specific food that triggered the symptoms remains unknown. Mr. Lai The Tuan, Head of Dormitory General Department at HCMU, disclosed that all affected students ate at a canteen in dormitory B before falling ill. As a precaution, the dormitory management center has suspended operations at this canteen and is cooperating with authorities in investigations by providing food samples for testing.

Experts attribute recent incidents of food-related illnesses to favorable conditions for bacterial growth and food spoilage during hot and humid weather periods. To prevent food poisoning, they advise consuming cooked foods and boiled water, avoiding leaving foods out for extended periods, maintaining proper storage practices for perishable items such as meat and dairy products, practicing good hygiene by washing hands before and after handling foods or using antibacterial wipes if soap is not available.

Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods should be avoided at all costs when preparing meals or ordering takeout from street vendors or restaurants. Any suspicious-looking foods should be discarded immediately to prevent further contamination or spread to others.

Raising awareness about safe food handling practices is crucial in minimizing risks associated with collective incidents like this one.

In conclusion, while there have been no severe cases resulting from this incident yet, it serves as a reminder to practice safe eating habits to avoid potential health hazards caused by improperly prepared or stored foods during hot weather conditions.