Delayed symptoms explain new cases in Ho Chi Minh City ‘banh mi’ poisoning outbreak: doctor

At least 235 people have fallen ill after eating ‘banh mi’ from two branches of Co B. ‘banh mi’ chain, city health officials said, up 73 from Sunday’s report.

Hospitals have continued to admit patients since the first cases were recorded late on November 6.

“The timing fits the biology,” said Do Van Dung, senior lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City.

“Salmonella symptoms can appear anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after infection, depending on the dose and each person’s resistance.”

Dung said Salmonella infections often arise when meat or eggs are served cold or handled without strict hygiene.

Even small lapses in preparation or storage, he said, can allow the bacteria to multiply quickly.

Gia Dinh People’s Hospital said on Monday it had treated 52 patients, 32 of whom remain under observation.

Tests confirmed Salmonella as the likely cause, said deputy director Vo Hong Minh Cong.

One patient, 47-year-old N.T.M.H., and her two children were hospitalized on Sunday after developing fever and diarrhea three days after eating the ‘banh mi.’

All were later stabilized.

Health authorities said inspections of the ‘banh mi’ brand’s facilities were under way.

Experts expect new cases to taper off as the incubation window closes and contaminated food is removed from circulation.