The department said hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby localities had received 108 patients by March 6 presenting symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting, with several cases also reporting high fever.
Most patients were treated at Vung Tau General Hospital, which admitted 104 cases. With prompt treatment and appropriate medical care, 45 patients have recovered and been discharged.
The 92 patients who were admitted for inpatient treatment are now reported to be in stable condition, with no severe or critical cases recorded.
Other patients treated at Ba Ria General Hospital (two cases), Khanh Hoi General Hospital (one case) and People’s Hospital 115 (one case) have also passed the critical stage.
Laboratory testing showed that 28 of 51 stool samples tested positive for Salmonella, a bacterium commonly associated with foodborne gastrointestinal infections.
Identifying the pathogen early allowed hospitals to apply a consistent treatment approach, focusing on fluid and electrolyte replacement and monitoring patients for signs of dehydration.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has instructed medical facilities to stay ready to receive and treat suspected food poisoning cases in accordance with the health sector’s guidelines.