6 hospitalized in Ho Chi Minh City after suspected ‘banh mi’ food poisoning

Between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm, patients arrived at the emergency department showing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever up to 39 degrees Celsius.

The patients, aged 30 to 63, come from different professions, including one overseas Vietnamese returning home to visit relatives.

Doctors diagnosed intestinal infection and electrolyte imbalance, with one patient experiencing hypokalemia (low potassium levels), leading to muscle cramps.

No severe complications such as septic shock have been recorded.

After initial treatment, two patients responded well and were discharged with instructions for home monitoring.

One patient remains hospitalized due to unstable health.

Three patients continue receiving care at the department.

The hospital emphasized the importance of choosing food from reliable sources and ensuring proper hygiene in storage and preparation.

Doctors advised that anyone experiencing prolonged fever, repeated vomiting, or diarrhea should seek medical care promptly to avoid dehydration and complications.