Suspected Food Poisoning Hospitalizes 62 After School Lunch in Dong Thap

Sa Dec city in Dong Thap province is currently grappling with a concerning incident of suspected food poisoning that has led to the hospitalization of 62 individuals, predominantly young students. The outbreak occurred following a midday meal served at Kim Dong Primary School, prompting immediate concern and swift action from local authorities.

As of May 21, 2026, the affected individuals, comprising 56 students and 6 adults, were receiving treatment at Sa Dec General Hospital and Phuong Chau Sa Dec Hospital. Their symptoms included fever, nausea, diarrhea, and convulsions, painting a grim picture of the immediate aftermath of the meal. While the health of most patients has stabilized, two individuals, a 56-year-old man and a 7-year-old student, remain in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In response, the People's Committee of Sa Dec ward has taken decisive measures, including suspending the school's boarding meal service starting May 20. An interdisciplinary inspection of food safety at Kim Dong Primary School has been initiated, with samples from May 18 and 19 collected for laboratory analysis. The Sa Dec General Hospital has also submitted patient samples to the Dong Thap Provincial Center for Disease Control for further testing. The initial reports indicate that on May 18 and 19, approximately 505 and 468 students, respectively, partook in the boarding meals, which consisted of white rice, pork meatball, sweet vegetable soup with shrimp, water spinach, and bananas for lunch, and cream puffs in the afternoon. The first cases emerged around 9 AM on May 19, with parents bringing students to the hospital reporting symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

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UBND phường Sa Đéc sẽ tiếp tục phối hợp chặt chẽ với các cơ quan chuyên môn để xác minh làm rõ vụ việc nghi ngộ độc thực phẩm; đồng thời thông tin kịp thời đến cơ quan báo chí khi có kết luận chính thức của cơ quan chức năng.