53 elementary school students hospitalized with suspected food poisoning in Ho Chi Minh City

These students developed such symptoms as abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and headaches.

The Binh Quoi Ward medical center treated two of the students, both of whom were stable and discharged with medication for home monitoring.

At Children’s Hospital 2, four cases were admitted.

Three of them were treated as outpatients and released in stable condition, while the other required hospitalization.

Medical staff collected samples to help determine the cause of the illness.

Binh Thanh General Hospital admitted 20 students, with 19 discharged after stabilization.

One student remained under observation in the emergency department.

Meanwhile, Gia Dinh People’s Hospital received the largest number of patients, with 27 students presenting symptoms.

Of these, five were discharged after outpatient treatment, while 22 were admitted to the pediatric ward.

Most hospitalized students were in stable condition after receiving treatment such as fever reduction, fluid replacement, and electrolyte balancing.

However, three cases continued to show fever and underwent blood culture testing.

Following the reports, the municipal department instructed the hospitals to closely monitor the patients, adhere to treatment protocols, and conduct tests to identify the causative agent.

The department also notified the Food Safety Department of Ho Chi Minh City to coordinate an appropriate response.

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control has been tasked with working alongside food safety officials and the school to carry out an epidemiological investigation and toxicological testing.

The incident was first noted on Wednesday, when 41 students displayed symptoms consistent with digestive disorders.

Two students with more severe symptoms, including high fever and persistent vomiting, were transferred to Binh Thanh General Hospital for further treatment.

Other affected students were initially treated at the school’s medical room, where staff administered fever-reducing measures, oral rehydration, and medication to relieve abdominal cramps.

Local health officials quickly collaborated with school medical personnel to screen the students, assess risks, and implement standard procedures for suspected food poisoning cases.

School principal Diep Thi Ngoc Tien clarified that the symptoms began in the morning, shortly after classes started, and not after school meals.

According to the principal, the students began exhibiting signs of fatigue, fever, and vomiting between 7:35 and 7:40 am, before consuming any food at school.

The symptoms were observed across multiple classes in grades one through three and increased in number following the morning break.