Many residents still have a habit of catching cicadas to prepare as food (Illustrative photo: Hoang Tien).
Huong Hoa Regional General Hospital said the patients were admitted between April and early May from several mountainous communes, including Huong Phung, Lia, Tan Lap and Khe Sanh.
They presented symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin rashes and breathing difficulties after consuming cicada-based dishes.
Doctors said all patients had stabilised following treatment with intravenous fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics and anti-allergy medication, with no severe cases reported.
Medical experts warned that cicada larvae can be infected by toxic fungi while underground. These fungi may grow rapidly inside the insects but are difficult to detect, posing a risk to those who consume them.
In addition, cicadas contain proteins that can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, in some individuals.
Eating cicadas remains a common practice in some mountainous areas of Quang Tri, particularly during summer. The hospital reports treating more than 10 similar poisoning cases each year.
Health authorities have urged residents to avoid eating cicadas and to seek immediate medical attention if unusual symptoms occur after consumption.