Over 230 fall ill in Ho Chi Minh City banh mi poisoning, Salmonella suspected

The first customers fell ill last Friday, with hospitals seeing a surge of patients over the past three days complaining of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

The outbreak has stretched resources across at least eight hospitals. Military Hospital 175 in Go Vap Ward has treated the highest number, receiving 131 patients, with four admitted for further monitoring.

Tam Anh General Hospital reported 22 cases, with 10 remaining hospitalized and one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors there said most patients have passed the acute phase.

Another 51 patients were recorded at six other hospitals, including 36 at Gia Dinh People's Hospital and two pediatric patients at Children's Hospital 2.

Among the most serious cases is a 27-year-old pregnant woman, more than 34 weeks along, who was admitted to My Duc Tan Binh Hospital with signs of preterm labor and is under close observation.

Salmonella confirmed as investigation continues

The HCMC Department of Health has reported the mass food poisoning case to the city's People's Committee and the Ministry of Health.

Authorities report that clinical data points to an intestinal infection, with Salmonella as the likely cause. This suspicion was strengthened after a blood culture from one patient at Gia Dinh People's Hospital tested positive for Salmonella.

A representative from the HCMC Food Safety Management Authority said an investigation team has been formed.

Both shops, which are part of the same chain whose name is not made public yet, are located in Go Vap and Binh Loi Trung wards. They have been temporarily closed. All food and ingredients have been sealed for testing.

Dr. Huynh Van Muoi Mot from Tam Anh General Hospital advised that anyone who ate the bread and suspects food poisoning should go to a hospital for examination and not self-treat at home, as the condition may worsen.